The Nutrition Services Division (NSD) is pleased to announce that the SUN Bucks (Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer [EBT]) web page is now live and accessible on the California Department of Education (CDE) website. This comprehensive resource provides essential information about the SUN Bucks program, including background, eligibility criteria, best practices, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and contacts for further assistance.
Program Overview:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officially established the SUN Bucks program through the Interim Final Rule on December 29, 2023. This program offers food benefits via a SUN Bucks EBT card to families with eligible school-age children during the summer months when school meals are not available. In California, SUN Bucks is managed through a partnership between the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the CDE, with Local Educational Agencies (LEA) playing a key role in making eligibility determinations.
Key Features of the Web Page:
- Background: Provides a history and overview of funding for SUN Bucks.
- Eligibility: Details eligibility criteria for SUN Bucks.
- Application: Explains how to LEAs can ensure timely and accurate eligibility determinations, including key deadlines.
- Best Practices: Provides strategies for LEAs to ensure families have access to SUN Bucks benefits.
- Resources and FAQs: Lists helpful links and answers to commonly asked questions about the program.
- Contacts: Lists the appropriate agencies for household or LEA-specific inquiries and applicable contact information.
For further details, visit CDE’s SUN Bucks web page: SUN Bucks Web Page.
Thank you for your support of the SUN Bucks program and please share this valuable web page resource with your school colleagues and community nutrition partners.
If you have questions about SUN Bucks, please contact the NSD at SummerEBT@cde.ca.gov (Note: this email address is not for household inquiries about SUN Bucks). Household inquiries about SUN Bucks should be directed to the CDSS customer service helpline at 1-877-328-9677.