Summer EBT Is Back This Summer!
The Summer EBT program has a new name: SUN Bucks. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has rebranded all federal Summer Nutrition Programs under the SUN umbrella to highlight their positive impact on children across the country, including Minnesota. SUN Bucks helps kids thrive by providing families with resources to purchase healthy foods during the summer months.
What Is SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks is an income-based food support program that offers eligible families $40 per month per child (a total of $120) during the summer. Funds are provided on SUN Bucks EBT cards and must be used within 122 days of issuance. Families are encouraged to use their benefits as soon as possible to avoid expiration.
Who Is Eligible?
Students are automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks if they are directly certified through programs such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Foster care or Medicaid
- Students identified as homeless, migrant, or runaway (categorically eligible)
Students with an approved Application for Educational Benefits for free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program are also eligible.
Data Collection Process
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) will collect student eligibility data from schools via the SUN Bucks data portal. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) will then issue benefits directly to eligible students. The portal is scheduled to open for data entry in mid-May 2025. More details will be provided in upcoming bulletins.
How Can Schools Prepare for SUN Bucks 2025?
Schools can take these steps to get ready:
- Communicate with families about the SUN Bucks program.
- Distribute the Application for Educational Benefits to households that are not directly certified and process applications to determine eligibility for free or reduced-price meals.
- Ensure student records are updated with current household mailing addresses, guardianship details, and contact information to ensure EBT cards are delivered correctly.
- Update the Minnesota Automated Reporting Student System (MARSS) to reflect eligible students.
- Nonpublic schools should collaborate with local public schools to assign State Student Identification (ID) numbers.
Upcoming Events
Training webinars will be offered in the coming months. Watch for registration details in upcoming bulletins. The MDE SUN Bucks website will also be updated with new resources as they become available.
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