How do SUN Bucks work?
Louisiana SUN Bucks, also called Summer EBT, will provide families $120 for each eligible school- aged child to buy groceries during the summer break when school meals are not available. Most eligible families will receive SUN Bucks automatically, but some parents must apply. Children who get SUN Bucks can still participate in other summer meal programs.
How do SUN Bucks work?
SUN Bucks work just like SNAP, with benefits loaded onto an EBT card and mailed to your address or added to your household's existing SNAP EBT card. You can use SUN Bucks benefits to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other places that accept SNAP benefits. SUN Bucks is a convenient way for you to help your children thrive.
Your child is eligible for SUB Bucks if:
Your household received SNAP, FITAP, KCSP or Medicaid (income-based) benefits during the 2023-24 school year.
Your child applied and was individually approved to receive free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program.
Your child may be eligible for SUN Bucks, but you will need to apply to determine eligibility if:
Your child is experiencing homelessness..
Your child is a migrant.
Your child receives free or reduced-price school meals but did not complete an application.
Even if your family doesn’t fall into one of the categories listed above, your child may still be eligible for SUN Bucks based on your family’s income.
How do I enroll my child in SUN Bucks?
Many families will get SUN Bucks automatically if they are getting other benefits, but some families may need to apply for the program.
If you are not automatically enrolled and believe your child is eligible, you can apply for SUN Bucks by filling out an application when they become available later this summer. Visit sunbucks.la.gov for updates. And be sure to follow DCFS on Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news!
SUN Bucks is not the same as P-EBT. P-EBT has ended. Not every child who received P-EBT is eligible to receive SUN Bucks. SUN Bucks will not be issued to P-EBT cards.
How long do I have to use my child’s SUN Bucks?
Under federal rules, SUN Bucks benefits must be used within 122 days of being loaded to your card. Any unused benefits on your card after 122 days will expire. Expired benefits cannot be replaced or put back on your card.
What do families need to do?
The most important thing families can do is to make sure their mailing addresses are up-to-date on their SNAP, FITAP, KCSP and Medicaid cases and with their child’s school or foster care worker. EBT cards will be mailed to the address on file.
Can my child participate in other summer meal programs?
Children who get SUN Bucks can still participate in other summer meal programs. SUN Bucks is just one option to make sure Louisiana children get the healthy food they need to thrive year-round. SUN Bucks joins existing summer feeding programs in our state, including the USDA’s SUN Meals summer meals program.
To find a SUN Meals summer meal site near you, visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE, or text 914-342-7744 with the keyword “summer meals” to find the location closest to you.
To learn more about SUN Bucks, visit sunbucks.la.gov .