California’s Summer EBT program, known as SUN Bucks, has returned for 2025. This food program provides families $40 per month for food in June, July, and August ($120 total) when children do not have access to school meals. SUN Bucks work just like CalFresh, but for the summer.
What is SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks is a program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will get $120 ($40 per month) for each eligible child to buy groceries during the summer.
SUN Bucks can be used to buy food at most grocery stores, farmer's markets, and other authorized retailers, including online stores like Amazon and Walmart. SUN Bucks cannot be used for: hot foods, pet foods, cleaning or household supplies, personal hygiene items, or medicine.
Families must use SUN Bucks within 122 days of funds being loaded to their cards. Children who get SUN Bucks can still participate in other summer meal programs. SUN Bucks will not affect immigration status.
Will my child get SUN Bucks?
Your child will automatically get SUN Bucks if:
- They are age six to 18 years and get CalFresh, CalWORKS, or Medi-Cal; OR
- They are age 0 to 22 years, attending schools that are part of National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Programs (SBP), AND are approved for free or reduced price meals. Check with your child’s school to make sure your free or reduced-price meal application or Alternative Income Form is on file.
Children who are experiencing homelessness or living in foster care are also automatically eligible. However, children who have not previously qualified for free or reduced-price meals may also qualify for SUN Bucks. To check if your child is eligible, ask your child’s school for a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application.
When will I get my SUN Bucks Card?
Most families will begin receiving their 2025 SUN Bucks cards in early June through July. Cards will be mailed in alphabetical order by the child’s last name (A-Z) as follows:
| Month | Starting Letter of Last Name |
|---|---|
| Early June | A-C |
| Mid-June | D-F |
| Late June | G-L |
| Early July | M-P |
| Mid-July | R-S |
| Late July | T-Z |
Regardless of when the card is received, every SUN Bucks card will be loaded with the full $120 per child. If you have any questions, please call the SUN Bucks Helpline at (877) 328-9677 or visit the SUN Bucks website.