More than 570,000 children in the U.S. state of Washington will receive food assistance this summer through the SUN Bucks Washington program, aimed at helping families cover grocery costs during the school break.
The initiative provides a one-time payment of $120 per child, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The support is designed to help low-income families buy food while school meals are not available during the summer months.
Officials said the benefit will be distributed through electronic cards that can be used at approved grocery stores. The cards are expected to be delivered ahead of the summer break so families can access food support immediately when schools close.
The SUN Bucks program is part of a broader federal effort to reduce child hunger during school holidays, when many children lose access to free or reduced-price meals provided through school programs.
Children between the ages of 8 and 18 in households already receiving assistance from programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) will automatically qualify for the benefit.
Students who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program and already receive free or reduced-price meals are also automatically eligible. These automatic enrollments reduce the need for families to complete additional paperwork.
Families whose children meet eligibility requirements but are not automatically enrolled can still apply for the program directly. Officials encourage households to check eligibility early to avoid delays in receiving benefits.
The program is especially important during the summer months, when many schools close and families face higher food expenses. For low-income households, school meals often provide a significant portion of daily nutrition for children.
State officials in Washington say the program will help reduce pressure on food banks and community assistance services that typically see higher demand during the summer period.
The SUN Bucks initiative also reflects ongoing federal efforts to address child food insecurity in the United States. Rising food prices and economic challenges have increased concern about access to nutritious meals for vulnerable families.
By providing direct financial support, the program allows families more flexibility in choosing groceries that meet their needs. Officials say this approach can help ensure children maintain a balanced diet even when school meal programs are not available.
The benefit will be issued once per child and is intended to cover part of a household’s summer food expenses. While it may not cover all costs, it is expected to provide meaningful support for families facing financial pressure.
Community organizations have welcomed the program, saying it will help fill gaps in food access during school holidays. They also note that awareness of eligibility is key to ensuring all qualified families receive assistance.
In Washington, officials estimate that hundreds of thousands of children will benefit from the program this year, making it one of the largest seasonal food assistance efforts in the state.
The SUN Bucks program is expected to continue in future years depending on federal funding and policy decisions. Advocacy groups are calling for its expansion to reach more families and increase benefit amounts.
For now, families in Washington are being urged to prepare for the upcoming distribution and ensure their eligibility information is up to date so they can receive support without delays.
