Summer 2024 will be the first year for Indiana SUN Bucks, a new benefits program that provides families $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out. Summer is a time when many children lose the free and reduced-price meals they get at school, and when households might need a little extra help putting meals on the table. Most eligible families will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply. This new program is available in addition to free meals that kids of all ages can get at summer meal sites in their communities.
Benefits of SUN Bucks
- Helps parents and caregivers buy healthy foods for their children.
- Gives families the flexibility to select foods that fit their culture and lifestyle.
- Improves food security and diet quality for participating children.
Eligibility
Children are eligible for the program if:
- the household already participates in SNAP, TANF, or income-based Medicaid, or
- the school-aged child is a foster child defined as being a ward of the state, homeless, or migrant, or
- the child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and the household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
- Resources for Parents
- Resources for Schools
- Guidance for CEP Schools
- Guidance for Partial or Non-CEP Schools
- Guidance for Non-NSLP Schools
- Frequently Asked Questions for Schools
- Fact Sheet for School Nutrition Program Professionals
- Fact Sheet for Educators
- Communications Toolkit
- SUN Bucks Development Timeline
- Communications Plan for Schools
- SUN Bucks Graphics Folder for Schools
- Notification Letter Templates
- Resources for Community Organizations
- Fact Sheet for Organizations
- Fact Sheet for Advocates
- Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
- Presentation for Community Partners
- Communications Toolkit for Community Organizations
Indiana SUN Bucks is jointly administered by the Indiana Department of Education and Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Family Resources.
Funding for Indiana SUN Bucks is provided by the State of Indiana and the United States Department of Agriculture.