Summer break is a season of sunshine and fun—but for many Sacramento County families, it also brings a food access challenge. That’s why California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is bringing back SUN Bucks, also called Summer-EBT, for summer 2025. Eligible families receive $120 per eligible child to help fill the meal gap when schools are closed.
Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through a school meal application or an Alternative Income Form, or get CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal, are automatically enrolled. You don't need to do anything to sign up. SUN Bucks provides $40 per month for food in June, July, and August 2025 ($120 total).
Will my child get SUN Bucks?
Your child will automatically get SUN Bucks if:
- They are age 6 - 18 years and get CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (below 185% Federal Poverty Level); OR
- They are age 0 - 22 years, attending schools that are part of National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Programs AND are approved for free or reduced-price meals. Check with your child's school to make sure your free or reduced-price meal application or Alternative Income Form is on file.
Children who are attending Head Start, experiencing homelessness, living in foster care or part of a migrant family are also automatically eligible.
How do SUN Bucks work?
If your family is eligible, a SUN Bucks S-EBT card will be mailed to your home. You do not need to fill out an application. You will get one new SUN Bucks card for each eligible child. You can use SUN Bucks just like a debit card to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains and dairy at grocery stores, farmers markets and other places that accept CalFresh EBT benefits.
When will my child receive SUN Bucks?
The state is issuing SUN Bucks cards by mail in stages by last name. If your child has not received a SUN Bucks card in the mail or you have questions about how to obtain a card, please visit the CDSS SUN Bucks website or call 1-800-560-0976 for more information.
To learn more about SUN Bucks, other food resources, and whether your child is eligible, visit the Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance website.