West Chester, Pa (July 31, 2025) – Hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation. That’s why Pennsylvania’s Sun Bucks program helps families cover grocery costs during the summer break from school.
Now in its second year, Sun Bucks (also known as Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program or Summer EBT) is a federal program that provides a one-time, seasonal benefit ($120 per child) to families with children who receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year.
“In Pennsylvania, 1 in 6 children experience food insecurity. When school is not in session they may miss out on free breakfast and lunch programs,” said state Senator Carolyn Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “Sun Bucks provides important support to help families bridge the gap during the summer, so children maintain access to the nutrition they need to grow, thrive, and return to school ready to learn.”
An estimated 1.3 million children in Pennsylvania qualify for Sun Bucks, which provides $40 per month per eligible child to cover the three summer months – June, July, and August – issued as a single $120 benefit.
“Governor Shapiro made an intentional choice to opt into SUN Bucks for a second year because he understands that hunger doesn’t take a summer break. This program gives families added support when school is not in session for the summer, helping children stay nourished and ready to learn when they return in the fall,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “Just like Pennsylvania’s universal free breakfast program during the school year, SUN Bucks reflects our commitment to ensuring every student has enough food to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Applications are open now through August 31 for the program, but most children who will receive SUN Bucks are automatically eligible and do not need to apply. Many children will be automatically issued Summer-EBT benefits based on their eligibility for Free or Reduced-Priced meals under the National School Lunch Program.
Families can also use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to determine whether they need to apply or if they are automatically eligible.
For families that already have an EBT card, SUN Bucks benefits will be automatically added to this card, if possible, starting in mid-August. Those who do not have an EBT card will receive a Summer EBT card in the mail.
Benefits will be issued beginning in mid-August for Summer 2025, and all 2025 SUN Bucks benefits will be issued by the end of September.
There are several ways for a child to be automatically eligible for SUN Bucks without needing to apply, including:
- Qualifying for SNAP or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- Qualifying for Medicaid with qualifying income for the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program (NSLP).
- Applying or receiving free or reduced-priced school meals.
Families whose children are not automatically eligible, including those who attend a school where all students receive free or reduced-price school meals under the Community Eligibility Provision but the family does not meet the automatic eligibility criteria will need to complete a SUN Bucks application. Applications can be submitted online or through a local County Assistance Office.
If households are not automatically eligible and believe their child is eligible, they are encouraged to apply. Applications received after the August 31 deadline will be considered for the 2026 SUN Bucks program next summer.
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