What are SUN Bucks?

SUN Bucks work just like CalFresh, but for the summer.

Background

SUN Bucks is a permanent program that helps families with school-age children buy groceries during the summer months when kids might not have access to school meals. A federal law, called the Consolidated Appropriations Act passed in December 2022, created Summer EBT across the country. California passed a law in July 2023 to join the program. The California Department of Social Services is the lead agency implementing the program, in partnership with the California Department of Education.

In 2024, families utilized over 4.3 million SUN Bucks cards, totaling over $499 million in food purchased.

Using Your SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks are loaded onto an EBT card. Each eligible child in your family will get one card with $120 to buy groceries – that’s $40 per month for June, July, and August. SUN Bucks can be used to buy food at most grocery stores, farmer's markets, and other authorized retailers, including online at stores like Amazon and Walmart.

SUN Bucks cannot be used for: hot foods, pet foods, cleaning or household supplies, personal hygiene items, or medicine.

You can use SUN Bucks and still get other food assistance programs such as summer meals, CalFresh, and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Important Dates & Managing Your Card

SUN Bucks must be used within 122 days of funds being loaded to your card. Any unused money on your card after 122 days will expire. Note, expired benefits cannot be replaced or put back on your card.

To check your benefit balance and claim status, visit the California EBT Cardholder website.