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California launches SUN Bucks for summer 2026 to help fight childhood food insecurity

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~ Sacramento, California - In an effort to combat childhood food insecurity during the summer months, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of SUN Bucks for summer 2026. This program will provide eligible families with $120 per child in food benefits to ensure children have access to nutritious meals while on summer break.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has already begun mailing electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards with SUN Bucks food benefits to eligible families. These cards will provide $40 per month for food in June, July, and August ($120 total) per eligible child. This funding is crucial in providing families with the means to keep their children fed while they are without access to free school meals.

Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of this program in fighting childhood hunger, stating that as the agricultural leader of the nation, California will not allow its own children to go hungry. He believes that SUN Bucks will help connect eligible families with access to nutritious foods and ensure that children have enough to eat during the summer months.

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Jennifer Siebel Newsom, First Partner of California, also expressed her support for SUN Bucks, stating that all children deserve access to nourishing food year-round in order to learn and thrive. She believes that this program is a critical benefit for California families and is proud that the state is once again prioritizing the health and well-being of its children.

Since its launch in 2024, SUN Bucks has made a significant impact in providing essential meals to children during the summer months. According to CDSS Director Jennifer Troia, over $877 million in food purchases have been made by families and caregivers across the state using SUN Bucks food benefits. With more than 3.5 million eligible children automatically enrolled in the program for 2026, it is expected that this number will continue to rise.

Most children are automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks if they qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, receive CalFresh, California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), and/or Medi-Cal (certified at or below 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level). Children can also be automatically enrolled if they are identified by their school as being in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or part of a migrant family.

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Families of children who are not automatically enrolled can still apply for SUN Bucks by submitting a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application to their child's school by August 31, 2026. It is important to note that per federal rules, funds must be used within 122 days from when they were added to the card. Any unused funds will expire after this time and cannot be replaced.

Participation in SUN Bucks will not affect eligibility for other public benefit programs such as CalFresh. Children who receive SUN Bucks can still participate in other summer meal options, such as SUN Meals.

For more information on SUN Bucks and how it works, visit the CDSS website. With this program in place, California is taking a proactive step towards ensuring that no child goes hungry during the summer months.

Filed Under: Government, State
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