As summer break begins for children in Kern County, families may qualify for additional grocery assistance through California’s Summer EBT program, or SUN Bucks. This federal initiative offers a one-time $120 benefit per eligible child to help cover grocery costs while school is out.
What is SUN Bucks?
- Eligibility: SUN Bucks is available for children ages 0-22 from families who meet certain income requirements, automatically qualifying if they are part of programs like CalFresh or CalWORKs. Some may need to apply through their schools.
- Usage: Benefits can be used for purchasing groceries but not on hot prepared foods, pet food, hygiene products, or medications.
- Deadline: Applications for the 2026 SUN Bucks program must be submitted by August 31, 2026.
Importance of Nutrition
Pediatrician Dr. Ebrahim Oomerjee emphasizes that nutrition is crucial during summer months. Proper diets can greatly influence a child’s development, health, and even mental well-being. He urges families to focus on whole foods over processed options and prioritize fiber-rich meals.
Resources for Non-qualifying Families
Families not eligible for SUN Bucks should explore other assistance programs like CalFresh, CalWORKs, WIC, and the SNAP program. There are also summer meal programs, such as SUN Meals and SUN Meals To Go, providing free meals to those in need.
To learn more about eligibility and application processes for SUN Bucks and related assistance, families can visit the California Department of Social Services website.
