Kids enrolled in the Kennedy Summer Day Program run by New Bedford Parks and Recreation have fun on the playground at Fort Taber Park in New Bedford.
Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that California will once again distribute SUN Bucks electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards in summer 2025, continuing a major statewide initiative to combat childhood hunger during the months when schools are closed and meals are unavailable.
Building on the success of its inaugural year in 2024, when more than 4.3 million children received SUN Bucks and nearly $500 million was spent on groceries, the program will return this June. Each eligible child will automatically receive a SUN Bucks EBT card loaded with $120—equivalent to $40 per month for June, July, and August—to purchase groceries.
“It’s absolutely essential that no kid in California go hungry – especially during the summer months when school meals aren’t available,” said Governor Newsom. “We’re proud to administer the SUN Bucks program and lead the nation in beating childhood hunger.”
Eligibility is automatic for most children already receiving free or reduced-price school meals, CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal benefits. Children in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or enrolled in Head Start programs also qualify. Based on data from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the California Department of Education (CDE), over 4 million children will be automatically enrolled.
“SUN Bucks ensures California’s kids, especially those from our most vulnerable communities, have access to the nourishment they need to grow, learn, and thrive year-round,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “This is about dignity and the health of our children.”
Families who are not automatically eligible may still apply by submitting a school meal or Universal Benefits Application to their school by September 1, 2025. Cards will be mailed in two stages, beginning in early June and continuing through September. All cards, regardless of arrival date, will be preloaded with the full $120 per child. Benefits must be used within 122 days of issuance, per federal rules.
Participation in SUN Bucks does not affect eligibility for other public benefit programs like CalFresh, and children can still receive other summer meal options such as SUN Meals.
“Last year, this program not only helped put food on the table for millions of California families, but it also bolstered local economies where food benefits were spent,” said CDSS Director Jennifer Troia.
California continues to lead in food access innovation, being the first state to implement a Universal Meals Program for TK-12 students and championing farm-to-school initiatives. The SUN Bucks program complements these efforts, ensuring that California children have access to healthy, affordable food all year round.
