As the summer of 2026 approaches, over a million children in North Carolina are set to benefit from the state’s SUN Bucks program, a critical initiative aimed at combating hunger during school holidays. With a substantial sum of $121 million allocated in this first round, eligible families are poised to receive much-needed support.
Addressing Summer Hunger
Governor Josh Stein, highlighting the importance of the program, stated, “Too many children are vulnerable to hunger in the summertime because they lose access to the free and reduced-price meals they depend on during the school year.” SUN Bucks provides a buffer, ensuring that families can continue to provide nutritious meals during the summer months. Governor Stein emphasized the need for legislative support to secure ongoing funding for this initiative.
Program Details and Eligibility
The SUN Bucks initiative, part of the broader NC Summer Nutrition (SUN) Programs for Kids, offers a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child. These funds can be used at various retailers and farmers markets across North Carolina that accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. This support is crucial as currently, 1 in 6 North Carolina children live in food-insecure households.
Starting June 1, 2026, families automatically eligible through programs like Food and Nutrition Services will begin receiving their benefits. Families should expect their preloaded SUN Bucks cards by June 15, although some may take up to eight weeks for delivery.
Collaborative Efforts and Philanthropic Support
The program’s return this summer results from a public-private partnership, with notable contributions from organizations such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, The Duke Endowment, and Coca-Cola Consolidated, among others. Jehan Benton-Clark of Dogwood Health Trust remarked, “SUN Bucks is an important investment in children and families, especially during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.”
Additional Resources and Future Plans
Families who believe they qualify but have not yet enrolled can apply through the SUN Bucks application page or check their eligibility via an interactive quiz. For further assistance, families can visit the SUN Bucks website or contact the NC SUN Bucks Call Center at 1-866-719-0141.
Looking ahead, Governor Stein’s proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year includes provisions for continued funding of the SUN Bucks program, aiming to safeguard against summer hunger when school meals aren’t available.
Read More Here
Comments are closed.