State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today commended the launch of SUN Bucks External link opens in new window or tab., a new federally funded food program designed to ensure that qualified children have adequate nutrition while in school, is available for the summer. This new program is being implemented by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) in partnership with the California Department of Education (CDE).

SUN Bucks will provide $120 in food benefits per child to supplement summer meal programs with direct support to students’ households. Most qualified children are automatically enrolled and will receive EBT cards in the mail.

“I am very proud that California is among the first states in the nation to issue SUN Bucks benefits to our youth. As someone who depended on government assistance in order to combat childhood hunger, I know how critical it is to ensure that our children have access to food that supports their healthy growth and development. We know that the nutritional needs of our students do not take a break when school lets out,” Thurmond said. “The combination of SUN Bucks and the California Universal School Meals Program shows our children that we are committed to showing up for them year-round.”

Source: SPI Commends Launch of “SUN Bucks” Meal Program – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)