New SUN Bucks Program Available for Durham Residents

New SUN Bucks Program Available for Durham Residents

The SUN Bucks program is a transformative initiative designed to alleviate food insecurity among families with school-aged children during the summer months. Launched by the federal government in collaboration with state leaders, this program ensures that children have access to nutritious meals even when school is out. The automatic enrollment process makes it easy for eligible families to receive these benefits, helping nearly a million children across the United States.

“Summer can be a hard time for children who rely on our public schools for a healthy school breakfast and lunch,” said North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper in a news release. “Nearly one in six North Carolina children face food insecurity at home and this effort helps make sure they get the nutritious food they need.”

The SUN Bucks program, officially known as Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (S-EBT), is designed to battle food insecurity during the summer months when school meal programs are not available. This program provides eligible families with financial assistance to purchase groceries, ensuring that children continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer.

Several states, including North Carolina, Washington, Pennsylvania, and California, have adopted the SUN Bucks program. Each state administers the program in collaboration with local education and health departments to maximize its reach and effectiveness. North Carolina will receive $120 million in federal benefits to feed more than 1 million school children throughout the state.

The program is made possible through contributions from:

  • The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation.
  • Smithfield Foods.
  • The Leon Levine Foundation.
  • Dogwood Health Trust.
  • Cone Health Foundation.
  • Brighthouse Financial.

How It Works

Eligible families are automatically enrolled in the program, making it easy for them to receive the benefits without the need for additional applications. The funds can be used at authorized retailers to purchase a wide range of groceries, helping families maintain a balanced and healthy diet for their children.

The implementation of the SUN Bucks program involves a coordinated effort between state and local agencies to ensure that the benefits reach eligible families efficiently. Each participating state has set up specific protocols to manage the distribution of the financial benefits. These protocols often involve collaboration with schools, social service departments, and community organizations to identify eligible families and facilitate the distribution process.

Community Impact of SUN Bucks

The SUN Bucks program has had a profound impact on communities by addressing food insecurity among school-aged children during the summer months. By providing families with financial support to purchase groceries, the program ensures that children who rely on school meals do not go hungry when school is not in session. This financial support helps alleviate the burden on low-income families, allowing them to allocate their limited resources to other essential needs.

Parents have expressed relief and gratitude for the support, noting that the benefits have made a significant difference in their ability to provide healthy meals for their children during the summer.

“Moms are excited about this new nutrition assistance program that provides summer grocery benefits to families,” said Jessica Burroughs, North Carolina hunger and food insecurity senior campaign director for MomsRising. “This will really help families who are struggling to make ends meet this summer!”

SUN Bucks Application Process

Applying for the SUN Bucks program is designed to be straightforward and accessible for eligible families. The process varies slightly by state, but generally follows these steps:

  1. Automatic Enrollment: In many states, eligible families are automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program based on their existing participation in free or reduced-price school meal programs. This ensures that benefits reach those who need them without requiring additional applications.
  2. Notification: Families receive notifications via mail or email, informing them of their eligibility and the benefits available to them. This communication includes detailed instructions on how to access and use their SUN Bucks benefits.
  3. Accessing Benefits: Benefits are typically provided through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at authorized grocery stores to purchase food items. The EBT card functions similarly to a debit card, ensuring ease of use for families.
  4. Support and Resources: States like North Carolina have set up dedicated webpages with FAQs and chatbots to assist families with any questions they may have about the program. These resources provide guidance on how to use the benefits and what items are eligible for purchase.

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