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Parents can sign up for a federal child nutrition program known as SUN Bucks that keeps children fed during the summer months when they are not in school. The program, also known as Summer EBT, provides eligible children with an EBT card that can be used to purchase groceries.

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The program is run by Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services, with support from the Department of Education. Children who are eligible and automatically signed up for SUN Bucks include:

Children ages 6 to 18 who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or medical assistance with qualifying income during the school year or summer 2025. This includes home-schooled and cyber-schooled children. 

Children who attend schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and applies for free and reduced-price meals during the school year, receive SNAP, TANF, or medical assistance with qualifying income any time, or is directly certified for free school meals as a foster child, migrant, or someone experiencing homelessness

Children who attend schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and whose families meet the income guidelines for SUN Bucks, but were not automatically enrolled in the program by being in one of the categories listed above, may be eligible. They would need to apply directly to SUN Bucks.

The monthly household gross income limit for SUN Bucks is:

• $2,248 for a household of one
• $3,041 for a household of two
• $3,833 for a household of three
• $4,625 for a household of four
• $5,418 for a household of five
• +$8,732 for each additional family member

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The benefit amount for summer 2025 is currently not listed on the SUN Bucks website. Qualifying families who already receive SNAP benefits will see the benefit added to their card.

For those who do not receive SNAP benefits, an EBT card will be mailed to them. Those interested in the program should make sure that their child’s school has a current mailing address.

More information on how to activate the card, how to check its balance, or how it can be used to buy food is available online. Those interested in utilizing the program should fill out this application.