SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California families are starting to receive their SUN Bucks cards for summer 2025, part of the state’s effort to reduce food insecurity during school breaks. The Summer-EBT program, launched last year, supports families with children who typically rely on school meals during the academic year.
In 2024, California was among the first states to implement the federally supported program. Over 4.3 million cards were activated in its inaugural year, enabling nearly $500 million in grocery purchases during the summer months. That success has led to the program’s continuation this year, with more than 4 million children expected to benefit.
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- 1 Who Is Eligible?
- 2 When Are Cards Being Mailed?
- 3 How Much Is the Benefit?
- 4 How to Use SUN Bucks
- 5 Where to Get More Information
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is automatically granted to:
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Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals
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Children receiving CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal
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Children in foster care
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Participants in Head Start
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Children experiencing homelessness
For children not automatically enrolled, families can apply by submitting a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application by September 1, 2025, to qualify for the summer benefit.
The program serves children from birth through age 22, depending on eligibility criteria.
When Are Cards Being Mailed?
Card distribution began on June 12, 2025, and will continue throughout the summer. Families will receive cards in alphabetical order based on the child’s last name.
If a child becomes eligible later in the summer, they will receive their card by September.
How Much Is the Benefit?
Each eligible child receives $120 total—approximately $40 per month for June, July, and August.
Funds must be used within 122 days from the date they’re added to the card. Any unused balance will expire and cannot be replaced.
How to Use SUN Bucks
SUN Bucks cards function like EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards. Funds can be used to purchase groceries at:
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Most supermarkets
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Farmers markets
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Online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart
However, the benefits cannot be used to buy:
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Hot prepared foods
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Pet food
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Cleaning supplies
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Personal hygiene items
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Medicine or supplements
SUN Bucks recipients are still eligible to participate in other summer meal programs offered by schools and community organizations.
Where to Get More Information
For full details on eligibility, card usage, or to apply for school meal benefits, families can visit the California SUN Bucks official website or contact their child’s school district.
