California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the SUN Bucks food program that will provide kids across the state with food during the summer break.
The program was first launched last year, where nearly $500 million in food purchases were made. Additionally, the families and caregivers of over 4.3 million California kids activated their SUN Bucks cards for the first time.
California SUN Bucks Food Program
More than 4 million California kids will automatically receive SUN Bucks EBT cards that they can use to buy groceries starting in June, with each eligible child receiving $120. In a statement, Newsom said that it is important that no child in California go hungry, especially during the summer months when they do not have access to school meals.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom added that the SUN Bucks food program ensures that kids across the state have access to the nourishment they need to grow. She noted that the program is about dignity and the health of the state's children, according to Gov.Ca.
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The majority of children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals through a school meal application or many others are automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program. Kids who are in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or attending Head Start, are also categorically eligible and will be automatically enrolled.
Kids who are not automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program can apply by submitting a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application to their school or school administrator's office by Sept. 1, 2025.
Funding For Eligible Children
This year's SUN Bucks cards for summer 2025 are set to arrive in the mail starting in June and will continue until officials complete mailings. The EBT cards will give $120 to every child, which is equivalent to $40 per month for June, July, and August, BenitoLink reported.
CDSS Director Jennifer Troia said that the program last year not only helped put food on the table for millions of families but also supported local economies where food benefits were spent.
The $120 fund that comes with every SUN Bucks EBT card must be used within 122 days of the funds being added to the card. Any unused money will expire after that set timeline and expired benefits cannot be replaced.
Kristal Mothershed, Social Services Supervisor, said that they want to encourage families to eat healthy, which is what the $120 funding will help with. She said that having that extra money for every eligible child can make a difference, as per ABC7.
