California Feeds Millions of Low-Income Children So Far This Summer

SACRAMENTO  — Gov. Gavin Newsom announced July 18 that through SUN Bucks, a new federal food program, more than 3,240,000 low-income children and their families have received food assistance during summer break. More than $162 million in food purchases have already been made by families across the state, and over five million total cards are expected to be distributed across California in the coming months, keeping kids fed. This comes as 13 Republican-led states continue to refuse to fund these programs that will help their local children.

Most families did not and will not need to take action to receive SUN Bucks. Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through a school meal application or an alternative income form, or who receive CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal, were automatically enrolled. Eligible families are receiving SUN Bucks electronic benefits transfer or EBT cards, which can be used just like CalFresh benefits to purchase groceries. SUN Bucks is providing $120 per child, which is equivalent to $40 per month for the three months schools are typically closed during the summer.  

This new program was implemented by the California Department of Social Services or CDSS and the California Department of Education CDE. In addition to SUN Bucks, Summer Meal Programs provide opportunities for children in need to access meals during the summer. Families can locate summer meal sites in their communities using the CA Meals for Kids App or by visiting the Summer Meal Service Sites webpage.  

Additional details

Children not automatically enrolled must apply for free or reduced-price school meals by completing and submitting a school meal application or alternative income form by Aug. 31, 2024, or they will not receive SUN Bucks benefits for summer 2024. Families may obtain the free or reduced-price school meal application from their school or school administrator’s office. 

The SUN Bucks helpline is available at 877-328-9677 to support cardholders who have questions about their specific SUN Bucks card. The helpline provides automated support 24 hours a day, seven days per week.  Live agents are available Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.  People with general SUN Bucks questions are encouraged to visit the CDSS website for information. Receiving SUN Bucks will have no bearing on eligibility for CalFresh or any other state public benefit program. Additionally, it is not part of federal public charge determinations. More information about public charge is available on the CDSS website.  

Regardless of when a card is mailed or received, every SUN Bucks card will be loaded with the full $120 per child. Per federal rules, funds must be used within 122 days of the funds being loaded to the card.  Any unused funds on the card will expire after 122 days. Expired benefits cannot be replaced.