JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced today its launch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (S-EBT) Program, known as “Missouri SuN Bucks.”
Missouri SuN Bucks helps families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer months when school is not in session. Families will get a one-time $120 benefit per qualifying child that can be used to buy nutritious foods at authorized locations around Missouri.
“Families whose children depend on school breakfasts and lunches may struggle to access healthy meals during the summer,” shared Kim Evans, Director of the Family Support Division. “The SuN Bucks Program takes tangible steps to address childhood hunger and support our young ones to thrive and stay healthy throughout the summer.”
Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply; however, households who need to apply can submit the application online by August 31, 2024. Families can use the Missouri SuN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete an application.
Families with children who meet the criteria will receive an EBT card by mail, or the benefit will be added to their existing EBT card. Criteria for automatic eligibility includes:
- The household already participates in SNAP or Temporary Assistance, or
- The child is age 7-17 and in foster care, homeless, a migrant, or
- The child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and the household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
The federal Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approved Missouri’s program on July 19, 2024. Given the late approval received by Missouri and several other states, and with this being the first year implementing the SuN Bucks program, DSS has encountered a few technical challenges, and delays in issuing benefits are possible.
“Although we had to face some difficult challenges, I am proud of our team members who worked diligently with our state and federal partners to get this important program off the ground. We will be much more prepared for next summer when we anticipate a smoother rollout and even greater success.”
For more information about SuNBucks, visit mydss.mo.gov/SuNBucks.