As the summer season approaches, Louisiana families are gearing up for longer days, outdoor activities, and, for children, a break from school routines. However, for some students who rely on free or reduced-price school lunches during the academic year, the summer break brings the challenge of access to nutritious meals. In response, Louisiana is rolling out the SUN BUCKS program, also known as Summer EBT, to help bridge this gap and ensure families have the means to put food on the table during the summer months.
What are SUN BUCKS?
Starting in the summer of 2024, Louisiana SUN Bucks, or Summer EBT, will provide families with $120 per eligible school-aged child to purchase groceries during the summer break.
Who is Eligible for SUN BUCKS?
Most eligible families will receive SUN Bucks automatically, while others may need to apply. Children eligible for SUN Bucks include:
- Those whose families received SNAP or TANF benefits during the 2023-24 school year.
- Children receiving Medicaid.
- Children approved individually to receive free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
- Additional categories of children, such as those experiencing homelessness or migrants, may also be eligible but must apply to determine eligibility.
How are SUN BUCKS Issued?
The SUN Bucks program will be implemented in three phases starting in June 2024. In Phase 1, children who received SNAP benefits during the previous school year will be automatically enrolled, with SUN Bucks benefits added to their existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Subsequent phases will roll out additional information and updates.
What Do Families Need to Do?
To ensure eligibility and timely receipt of SUN BUCKS benefits, families are urged to verify that their mailing address is up-to-date on their SNAP, FITAP, and/or Medicaid cases, as well as with their child’s school. EBT cards will be sent to the mailing address on file.
For further details on eligibility criteria and how to apply, interested families can visit the official website of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services at dcfs.louisiana.gov.
As Louisiana families prepare for the summer season, SUN BUCKS offers essential support to ensure that children have access to nutritious meals even when schools are not in session. Stay updated on program developments by following the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
