Now Available: SUN Bucks for Summer Grocery Support
SUN Bucks is a USDA program that provides a one-time $120 payment per eligible child on a debit-like card to help families buy nutritious food during the summer months when school is out.
Who is Eligible?
Many North Carolina students will automatically qualify for SUN Bucks without needing to apply if they meet one of these conditions for the 2024–2025 school year:
The child is enrolled at a school participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and:
Receives Free or Reduced-Price Meals through school, or
Completed and was approved for a SUN Bucks application between July 1–August 31, 2024.
Note: Students at CEP (Community Eligibility Provision) schools where all meals are free must meet additional requirements to qualify automatically (see below).
Children born between July 2, 2007, and August 31, 2018, are automatically eligible if they participate in one of these programs:
Food and Nutrition Services (FNS/SNAP)
Work First (cash assistance)
Medicaid (with household income under 185% of the federal poverty level)
Cherokee Tribal Food Distribution Program (CTFDP)
Foster Care
McKinney-Vento Program (for students experiencing homelessness or runaway)
Need to Apply?
Families whose children attend a NSLP or CEP school and do not automatically qualify can apply for SUN Bucks.
Next Steps:
Check Your Child’s School using the SUN Bucks School Search Tool to confirm eligibility.
Still Have Questions? Use the interactive Chat Bot on the bottom right corner of your screen for help.
