What Is SUN BUCKS?

SUN Bucks is a summer food support program that helps families buy groceries when school is out. Eligible families receive $120 per school-aged child on a special EBT card to use at stores that accept SNAP. Most eligible children are enrolled automatically.

This program, formerly known as Summer EBT, has been renamed SUN Bucks to reflect its bright, nationwide impact—helping kids stay nourished and thrive during the summer months.

Who Can Receive SUN Bucks?

Children are eligible for SUN Bucks if they qualify between July 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025 in one of the following ways:

Children (ages 7–17) who are:

Homeless, migrant, or in foster care

Children (ages 7–17) in households receiving:

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Medical Assistance (MA) — income limits apply

Children of any age attending a school or early education program that participates in:

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP), with an approved application for free or reduced-price meals

Note: There are no age restrictions for children who qualify by participating in NSLP or SBP

How can I check if my child is eligible?

If your child is not automatically enrolled:

Check household income against income limits.
Contact your child’s school to confirm participation in NSLP or SBP.
Submit an application for free/reduced-price meals if eligible.
Ensure the school has your current contact info.

How much do families receive?

Each eligible child receives $120 total for the summer — $40 per month for June, July, and August — loaded onto a SUN Bucks EBT card.

How does the SUN Bucks card work?

The card is mailed to each eligible child.
It functions like a regular EBT card.
It can be used at approved grocery stores and farmers markets.
Eligible foods include fruits, vegetables, meats, whole grains, dairy, and more.
Benefits expire 122 days after issuance.
Visit www.ebtedge.com or call 888-997-2227 to check your benefit issuance date.
If the card is lost, contact ebtEDGE for a replacement.

Will we get a new SUN Bucks card this year, or reuse last year’s?

Yes — all eligible children will get a new SUN Bucks card for 2025. Families should keep this new card in a safe place to reuse in future years if the child remains eligible.

Note: Cards from 2024 (Summer EBT) can be thrown away. New cards are being issued this year because of the program’s rebranding to SUN Bucks.

When will SUN Bucks cards arrive?

Important update: SUN Bucks cards will be mailed by June 17 for children eligible through participation in a state program.Children eligible through the free and reduced-price school meal program may not be listed on initial notices of eligibility and will receive their benefits later in the summer. Please wait until end of June to inquire about children who fall into this eligibility category.
Late May/Early June: Children enrolled in SNAP, MFIP, Tribal TANF, FDPIR, Medical Assistance (income-qualifying), or foster care before March 30, 2025.
June to September: Children who qualify by application, homelessness, migrant status, or who enroll in public assistance on or after April 1, 2025.