Louisiana will launch Summer EBT/SUN Bucks, a new grocery benefits program that provides families $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out. The new program is in addition to free meals that kids of all ages can get at community summer meal sites.

Summer is almost here and that means longer days, fun in the sun, and best of all for kids, no homework! For some Louisiana students receiving free or reduced-price school lunches, summer also means the loss of nutritious school meals. In addition to the newly expanded summer feeding options, SUN Bucks help fill that gap by providing grocery benefits to help families put meals on the table when schools are closed.

Children are eligible for the program if the household already participates in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid OR the child attend a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and the household income meets the requirements for free/reduced-price school meals.

Most families will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply. If the household already participates in SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid, they will be automatically enrolled in the Summer EBT program. If the household is not automatically enrolled and may be eligible, you can get Summer EBT/SUN Bucks by filling out an application. Applications will be available on the SUN Bucks site soon.

The benefits will be provided on an EBT card (same card for students already receiving SNAP) and can be used to buy groceries. Families will receive $120 per eligible child for the summer. The cards will be mailed to the address on file at your child’s school. Benefits can be used at authorized retailers, like grocery stores and farmers markets, to purchase healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meats and other protein sources, whole grains, and dairy. Visit https://sunbucks.la.gov to learn more.

Children and teens need healthy food year-round to play, grow, and learn. Summer EBT/SUN Bucks will help families stretch their grocery budget during the summer and provide their children with the nutrition they need to thrive.