The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) is introducing a new initiative called SUN Bucks to support families with school-aged children during the summer break. This program aims to provide financial assistance for groceries to families who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for SUN Bucks, families must have children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program, which provides free or reduced-price lunches during the school year. These families will automatically qualify for the SUN Bucks program without needing to submit additional applications.

Benefits and Distribution

Each eligible child will receive $120 in benefits, which can be used to purchase a variety of food items such as fruits, vegetables, and meat. The benefits will be distributed in three phases starting in June 2024, ensuring continuous support throughout the summer months. Families will receive these benefits via their existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, making it convenient and straightforward to access the funds.

How to Apply

Families who are already enrolled in the National School Lunch Program do not need to take any extra steps to apply for SUN Bucks. The benefits will be automatically added to their existing EBT cards. For families not currently enrolled, they need to apply for the National School Lunch Program to become eligible for SUN Bucks.

Program Goals

The SUN Bucks program is designed to ensure that children who rely on school meals do not face food insecurity during the summer. By providing additional funds for groceries, DCFS aims to help families maintain a nutritious diet for their children even when school is out.

Additional Support

For more detailed information, families can visit the DCFS website or contact their local DCFS office. The website provides comprehensive guidance on eligibility, benefit distribution, and how to manage and utilize the EBT cards.

This initiative is a part of Louisiana's broader effort to combat food insecurity and support the well-being of children and families across the state. By addressing the nutritional needs of children during the summer, the SUN Bucks program aims to promote better health outcomes and support academic readiness for the upcoming school year.

For more information and to check eligibility, visit the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services page on SUN Bucks.