The California SUN Bucks program has returned for the summer to combat childhood food insecurity. Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31, 2026.
Low-income families can help ensure their children have access to nutritious food this summer through California SUN Bucks, a federal meal program administered by the California Department of Social Services.
The program helps families purchase groceries during the summer months, when children may have limited access to school meals. Benefits are available for June, July and August 2026.
Children automatically qualify for SUN Bucks if they are:
- Ages 6 to 18 and receive CalFresh, CalWORKs or Medi-Cal benefits (certified at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level), including homeschooled children; or
- Ages 0 to 22 and:
- Attend schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program;
- Are approved for free or reduced-price meals; and
- Meet income eligibility requirements.
Parents and caregivers should confirm their child’s free or reduced-price meal application or Alternative Income Form is on file with their school. Families who have not submitted a Universal Benefits Application to their child’s school must do so by Aug. 31, 2026, to determine eligibility for SUN Bucks.
SUN Bucks benefits are issued on S-EBT cards mailed to nearly 5 million eligible children through August.
Each eligible child will receive a total of $120 in grocery benefits — equal to $40 per month for June, July and August. Benefits must be used within 122 days of being loaded onto the card. Unused funds remaining after 122 days will expire and cannot be restored.
Benefits can be used like a debit card to buy qualifying foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains and dairy products, at grocery stores, farmers markets and other retailers that accept CalFresh EBT.
Children who receive SUN Bucks may still participate in other food assistance programs.
Families should set up a PIN immediately after receiving their S-EBT card by using the free ebtEDGE mobile app found on the Apple App Store or Google Play, visiting ebt.ca.gov/cardholder/ or calling the SUN Bucks Helpline at 877-328-9677.
Families are encouraged to update their mailing address immediately to avoid delays in receiving benefits.
Those receiving CalWORKs, CalFresh or Medi-Cal can update their mailing address by:
- Visiting BenefitsCal.com;
- Calling 1-877-410-8829; or
- Visiting a local San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department office.
Parents of children approved for free or reduced-price meals should update their mailing address directly with their child’s school.
For more information about SUN Bucks, visit the California Department of Social Services website at cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks.
