The SUN Bucks program is back!
SUN Bucks is a program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will get $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. Children who get SUN Bucks can still participate in other summer meal programs.
How do SUN Bucks work?
In Washington state, if eligible, SUN Bucks will be reloaded onto your existing Sun Bucks EBT card. If you are newly eligible this school year, a new EBT card will be mailed to your home. You can use SUN Bucks benefits to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other places that accept EBT benefits. SUN Bucks is a convenient way for you to help your children thrive.
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Is my child eligible for SUN Bucks?
Your child is eligible for SUN Bucks if they have been determined to be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals in the 2024-2025 school year. Students may have been directly certified because they receive benefits from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Food Assistance Program (FAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or State-Funded Assistance (SFA). Students may also have qualified via the Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit application based on household income.
Students at Beacon and Simpson Elementary receive free meals for all students, however in order to receive Sun Bucks, you must be free or reduced meal eligible as described above.
How do I enroll my child to receive SUN Bucks?
Many families will get SUN Bucks automatically if they are getting other benefits, but some families may need to apply for the program. The Montesano School District will provide DSHS a listing of students who are currently eligible for free or reduced-price meals and they will automatically be enrolled in the program. Please contact Cindy Wecker or Sheila Baker at the District Office at 360-249-3942 if you are unsure of your free and reduced-price meal status eligibility.
It is not too late to complete a Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit Application for the 2024-2025 school year in order to qualify for the SUN Bucks Program. You can pick up an application at your child’s school, the School District Office, or get the application online at our website www.monteschools.org
What if I have questions about the SUN Bucks program?
Questions regarding SUN Bucks can be directed to the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 1-833-543-3230 (TTY: 1-800-833-6348) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Families can opt in for text messaging alerts about their child’s SUN Bucks status at textsunbucks.dshs.wa.gov