PERRYVILLE – This summer, Missouri will offer SuN Bucks, a summer grocery benefits program that provides families $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out. Summer is a time when many children lose the free and reduced-price meals they get at school, and they might not have access to a regular meal. Most eligible children will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply. The new program is in addition to free meals that kids of all ages can get at summer meal sites in their communities.
Benefits of Summer EBT/SuN Bucks
- Helps more kids get access to healthy foods at the grocery store.
- Gives the flexibility to select a variety of foods.
- Improves food security and diet quality for participating children.
Eligibility
Children are eligible for the program if:
- the household already participates in SNAP, TANF, etc., 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.
Enrollment
Many children will get Summer EBT/SuN Bucks automatically if they are getting other benefits, but some families may need to apply.
- If the household already participates in SNAP, TANF, etc., or receives free or reduced-price meals by application, they will be automatically enrolled in the Summer EBT/SuN Bucks program. Households do not need to fill out an application.
- If the household is not automatically enrolled and a child may be eligible, they can get Summer EBT/SuN Bucks by filling out a simple application.
To see if a household is eligible and learn more about filling out an application, go to https://mydss.mo.gov/SuNBucks. Perry County School District does not operate this program, so our staff cannot answer any questions you may have. If you have any questions regarding the SuN Bucks Program, please contact the Department of Social Services, Family Support Division, at 855-373-4636.
How Summer EBT/SuN Bucks Works
The benefits will be issued to an EBT card and can be used to buy groceries. Families will receive $120 per eligible child for the summer. Benefits can be used at authorized locations to purchase healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meats and other protein sources, whole grains, and dairy.
Help Children in Your Community
- Spread the word in your community! Let households know about the Summer EBT/SuN Bucks program and how to receive benefits for their children.
- Encourage families with children who will automatically be enrolled to make sure their mailing address is up to date. Families can check the address on file by calling the Missouri Department of Social Services at 855-373-4636.
- Encourage families who may have eligible children to apply. Eligibility information and an application can be found at https://mydss.mo.gov/SuNBucks
Children and teens need healthy food year-round to play, grow, and learn. Summer EBT/SuN Bucks will help families afford to provide their children with the nutrition they need to thrive during the summer. Visit https://mydss.mo.gov/SuNBucks to learn more about this exciting program. Together, we can make summer brighter for our children.