The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service Program provides free meals when school is out!
Click the link below for more information.
In states, Tribes, and territories participating in SUN Bucks (Summer EBT), school-aged children whose families receive SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or certain other income-based benefits will be automatically enrolled to receive SUN Bucks. Additionally, 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 automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks.
Children who are not automatically enrolled may still be eligible for SUN Bucks. To qualify, a child’s household must meet certain income limits and other requirements. Apply directly to the agency that administers SUN Bucks in your state, Tribe, or territory.
Once a child is enrolled, SUN Bucks may be automatically added to the household’s SNAP account, issued as a separate electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, or sent in other ways depending on how the program is operated where you live.
Additionally, the 2025 NJ Summer EBT Program provides low-income families with a one-time $120 EBT card per eligible child to help purchase groceries during the summer.
Who is eligible?
· Families receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefits between July 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, and whose child is enrolled in a school participating in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program.
· Families who have already received other EBT benefits (SNAP, TANF, Foster Care, or income-eligible Medicaid).
· Families who have completed the School Meals and Summer EBT application and have been determined eligible.
How to apply and receive benefits:
· Families receiving SNAP, TANF, Foster Care, or income-eligible Medicaid benefits will automatically receive the Summer EBT benefit.
· Other families may need to apply through their school.
· School Food Authorities (SFAs) must upload student information into the SNEARS web-based system to determine eligibility.
· Benefits are issued on an EBT card and can be used to purchase groceries.
Key Dates and Information:
· The Summer EBT operational period runs from June 15, 2025, to August 31, 2025.