OLYMPIA, Wash.-A new summer electronic benefits children will help students across Washington access food this summer.
SUN Bucks, a new electronic benefits transfer program will help an estimated 500,000 students get food this summer, according to the Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction.
“The Summer EBT program provides essential support to children across Washington during the summer months when they don’t have their regular access to school meals,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal. “This program is an important way that we support the well-being of children and families across our state.”
The SUN Bucks benefits, a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child in each household, will be deposited onto new SUN Bucks cards and mailed beginning in early June.
SUN Bucks are distributed by the Department of Social and Health Services and OSPI, with the application expected to be available online in both English and Spanish soon.
Some children will be automatically eligible for SUN Bucks, however, others will need to apply.
Automatic summer EBT requirements:
Are enrolled at a school that offers the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and qualify through a meal application or Family Income Survey.Are age 8–18 and are a member of a household that receives benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Food Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or State-Funded Assistance.
Students that don’t qualify automatically must:
Be enrolled at a school that participates in the NSLP or SBP.Live in a household that meets NSLP Income Eligibility Guidelines to qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Families with questions about eligibility or applying can call the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 1-833-543-3230 (TTY: 1-800-833-6348) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday–Friday (except observed holidays) starting on Monday, May 13.
“Students need nutritious meals to learn and grow,” said Reykdal.
