SALT LAKE CITY — This summer, families in Utah can receive assistance to help feed their children while schools are closed. The Utah SUN Bucks program, also known as Summer EBT, provides $120 per eligible school-age child to purchase groceries.

SUN Bucks is available to families who receive assistance such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid or who qualify for free or reduced lunch at school. Eligible children will be automatically enrolled, and SUN Bucks will be added to their EBT account or issued on a separate EBT card this summer.

For children attending schools where everyone automatically receives free lunch but does not receive public assistance, applications for SUN Bucks can be submitted at jobs.utah.gov/sunbucks.

“We know that a lot of families really do rely on those school meals to help them feed their families, so this money really stretches your dollar in the summer when school is out. We’re hoping families can take advantage and cover their grocery bills,” said Becky Wickstrom with Workforce Services.

SUN Bucks, a federally funded program, can be used to buy foods including fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains and dairy at grocery stores, farmers markets and other places that accept SNAP benefits. Additionally, SUN Bucks can be used with Double Up Food Bucks at participating farmers markets, where every $1 spent earns an additional $2 to spend on fresh produce (up to a $20 credit).

Families can also take advantage of other local programs to feed their children, regardless of whether they participate in SUN Bucks.

SUN Meals offers free meals and snacks for school-age children during the summer at schools, parks and other neighborhood locations. You can find a location here. In rural areas, SUN Meals To-Go may be available for pick-up or delivery. You can find a pick-up location here.

Utah SUN Bucks will be distributed starting in June 2025. For more information, visit jobs.utah.gov/sunbucks.