SUN Bucks 2026: $120 Per Child for Groceries

Who may get SUN Bucks

Many school-age children whose families already receive SNAP, TANF, FDPIR (the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations), or certain other income-based benefits are enrolled automatically when their state participates. Children who attend a school that offers the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and whose household income makes them eligible for free or reduced-price school meals may also be enrolled automatically. Other children may be able to apply through their state or tribal agency. The USDA explains the eligible groups and each participating location on its official SUN Bucks page.

2026 state deadline table

Use the official link in the last column: USDA's Summer EBT page for that state, or North Carolina's state agency page. North Carolina's 2026 deadline below, which has now passed, is confirmed by its state agency. USDA lists 11 states as not participating in 2026; those rows link to USDA's participation map. Oklahoma's state agency does not take part, but five Tribal Nations in Oklahoma do (Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Otoe-Missouria); USDA says they issue benefits to all eligible children living on Tribal land, regardless of Tribal membership. For every other state, we have not confirmed a 2026 deadline on a state .gov page, so the table says to check the official state page instead. We did not repeat unverified dates.

What SUN Bucks can buy

These benefits can be used to pay for fruits and vegetables; meat, poultry, and fish; dairy products; breads and cereals; and snack foods and non-alcoholic drinks. They cannot be used to buy hot foods, pet foods, cleaning or household supplies, personal hygiene items, or medicine, according to USDA's Summer EBT guide for households.

Other help worth checking

• SNAP food assistance
• Medicaid
• WIC nutrition help