SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks Background

According to the California Department of Education, SUN Bucks was announced on December 29, 2023, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as the Interim Final Rule: Summer EBT Program and Rural Non-Congregate Option in the Summer Meals Programs. This program helps families of school-age children buy groceries during the summer months, when access to school meals is unavailable.

State Partnership

This program is a joint effort with the California Department of Social Services and the California Department of Education. For more information from the state, visit the official site.

Also called Summer EBT, SUN Bucks provides a one-time payment of $120 for each eligible school-aged child in your household. The funds can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and participating online retailers to purchase food.

Most children are automatically identified through state data but families may need to take action. Many students may automatically qualify for SUN Bucks if they:

• Receive CalFresh, CalWORKs, or qualifying Medi-Cal benefits
• Qualify for free or reduced-price school meals based on household income or,
• Are identified as foster youth, homeless, migrant, or runaway students

However, the Universal Benefits Application will need to be filled out to qualify if WSD students don't fall under the above categories. 

If your child is not automatically eligible, you may still qualify by submitting a School Meal Application or Universal Benefits Application (UBA) to the district office. Applications for SUN Bucks 2026 must be submitted to the District Office by August 31, 2026.

Download the attached Westminster School District Universal Benefits Application.

Universal Benefits Application