SUN Bucks

SUN BUCKS SUMMER EBT IS COMING TO LOUISIANA!

Summer is almost here and that means longer days, fun in the sun, and best of all for kids, no homework! For some Louisiana students receiving free or reduced-price school lunches, summer also means the loss of nutritious school meals. In addition to the newly expanded summer feeding options, SUN Bucks help fill that gap by providing grocery benefits to help families put meals on the table when schools are closed.

WHAT ARE SUN BUCKS?

Starting in summer 2024, Louisiana SUN Bucks, also referred to as Summer EBT, will provide families with $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries during the summer break.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SUN BUCKS?

Most eligible families will get SUN Bucks automatically, but some parents will need to apply.

The following children are eligible to receive SUN Bucks summer benefits and will be automatically enrolled in the program. There is no need to apply.

Children whose families received SNAP or TANF benefits during the 2023-24 school year.
Children receiving Medicaid.
Children who applied and were individually approved to receive free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

These children may be eligible to receive SUN Bucks but must apply to determine eligibility:

Children experiencing homelessness.
Migrant children.
Children who receive free or reduced-price lunch, 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 ARE SUN BUCKS ISSUED?

The SUN Bucks program will be rolled out in three phases beginning June 2024. Please bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates. And be sure to follow DCFS on Facebook, X/Twitter, and LinkedIn for the latest news!

Phase 1: Launching in June 2024! Children who received SNAP benefits during the 2023-2024 school year are eligible for streamlined certification and will be automatically enrolled. SUN Bucks benefits will be added to their existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card beginning June 2024.

Phase 2: More information coming soon!

Phase 3: Keep checking back for updates!

WHAT DO FAMILIES NEED TO DO?

It is important that families ensure their mailing address is up-to-date on their SNAP, FITAP and/or Medicaid case, and with their child’s school. EBT cards will be sent to the mailing address that is on file.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?

How do you apply for SUN Bucks?

Applications will be available on this site soon.

Where can you use SUN Bucks?

SUN Bucks work just like SNAP, with benefits loaded onto an EBT card. You can use your SUN Bucks to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other places that accept SNAP benefits, including some online retailers.

Benefits for each eligible child will added to your family’s existing EBT card. If you do not already have an EBT card, an EBT card will be sent to your mailing address.

How long do you have to use your child’s SUN Bucks?

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.

Additional Resources

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 available 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.

Learn more about SUN Bucks

Visit the USDA site: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sebt.