Practice Support Services

Sun Bucks: North Carolina's Newest Food Assistance Program Will Begin Summer 2024

Written by Practice Support Team | May 15, 2024 6:30:00 PM

The USDA has launched a new, permanent program to provide food assistance to children and families during the summer. The SUN Bucks program will officially launch in summer 2024! SUN Bucks will provide grocery-buying benefits to qualifying families with school-aged children during the summer months when schools are on summer break. SUN Bucks is sometimes referred to as Summer EBT.

SUN Bucks benefits are issued to debit-like cards (EBT cards) that families can use to purchase nutritious food. Beginning in summer 2024, families will receive $120 per eligible child for the summer period.

  • Who is eligible?
    Some benefit programs will automatically qualify students for Sun Bucks, while other students will need to apply for Sun Bucks.

  • How much will families receive?
    Qualifying families will receive a one-time payment of $120.00 per eligible child for the summer

  • When and how will benefits be issued?
    SUN Bucks issuances will occur every two weeks from late June through September as new children are determined eligible.  

  • Where can I learn more about Sun Bucks?
    The NC DHHS SUN Bucks site has FAQs, SUN Bucks resources toolkit, and eligibility information. Or, check out the Sun Bucks informational Flyer!
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