As the summer of 2025 approaches, a ray of hope has come for millions of American families—the Summer Food Stamps or Summer EBT program, now also known as SUN Bucks. This program will target low-income families whose kids rely on school lunches.
It keeps children nourished throughout the summer vacations as schools may be closed at that time there is no facility of lunch or breakfast etc, thus starving the children. In this article, we will tell you in simple language who will get this benefit in June 2025, what is the eligibility, when the amount will be deposited and how you can apply.
What are Summer Food Stamps?
Summer EBT or SUN Bucks is a government program that helps provide essential nutrition to children during the holidays. It has been started for those children who take free or subsidized food in school and now are deprived of that facility when the school is closed.
Under this scheme, each eligible child is given an amount of $120 during the three months of summer (June to August) so that they can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat and other nutritious food items.
Who is eligible for this scheme?
Eligibility for the Summer EBT scheme is based on some major government schemes. You and your family members might be auto-entitled, in case you or any of your family are subscribed to the following schemes:
- Supplementary Nutrition assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance Need Families (TANF)
- Medicaid
- Students getting free or subsidized school foods
In addition, children who are in foster care, are homeless or come from migrant families may also be eligible, even if their family is not included in the above schemes.
Is the benefit amount a lump sum?
Yes. Each child is given an amount of $120 for the summer. This amount is loaded on your EBT card at once and can be used in different months.
4When and how will you get the money?
The amount is distributed state-wise and the dates are different for each state. Below are the estimated dates for some major states:
- California: From early June
- New York: June 18
- Ohio: June 11
- Texas and Florida: In June 2025
- Illinois: Within the month of June
You can check the date by visiting the USDA website or the official site of your state to know when you will get benefits in your state.
What is an EBT card and how to use it?
An EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card is a type of debit card in which the government loads your benefit amount. Under Summer EBT, this amount can come to your existing SNAP or P-EBT card or a new card can be issued.
With this card, you can buy food items at grocery stores, farmers markets and authorized shops.
What items can be purchased?
You can buy the following food items with the amount of this scheme:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Milk products (dairy products, milk products etc.).
- Meat, chicken, fish
- Bread, rice, cereals, flour
- Eggs and other nutritious food items
- These items cannot be purchased:
- Hot and cooked food
- Pet food
- Goods and products that are used in homes such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste
- Daily items like prepared food
What to do if you have not received benefits yet?
If the amount has not come to your EBT card even by the beginning of July, do not panic. First contact the local helpdesk or food assistance office of your state. On some occasions it is delayed either as a technical or administrative factor.
The status can be verified in the USDA site or at the portal of your state under DHHS.
How to apply if you are not automatically eligible?
If your children study in school but are not beneficiaries of any government scheme, you can still apply. For this:
- To get in touch with the DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) office closest to you go there
- Obtain a letter of the school certifying that the child will enjoy free or subsidized meals
- Online application option is also available (depending on the state)
Social significance of this scheme
Summer EBT is not just a financial aid, but it is a social security blanket that ensures that no child goes hungry. It provides an assurance in difficult situations when parents do not have enough resources to provide nutrition to children.
This program:
- Improves the health of children
- Reduces mental stress of families
- Improves nutrition levels
- Positively impacts community health
Stay tuned for future plans
The government is planning to make this program even more effective. If you received this benefit this year, you may be eligible for the coming years as well. Keep your documents updated and apply on time.
Your suggestions and feedback can make this scheme stronger. If you have had any experience or problem, share it—your story can help someone else.
Conclusion:
The Summer Food Stamp Program of June 2025 is an effort to make summer holidays hunger-free for millions of children in America. It is not just an amount, but a dedication to improve the nutrition and future of children. If you are eligible, take advantage of this scheme, and if not, apply—because every child deserves nutrition.
FAQs
1. What are Summer Food Stamps (Summer EBT or SUN Bucks)?
Answer: Summer Food Stamps, officially known as Summer EBT or SUN Bucks, are benefits provided to help low-income families buy food during summer months when school meals are unavailable.
2. Who is eligible to receive Summer EBT in June 2025?
Answer: Children from households enrolled in SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid, as well as those receiving free or reduced-price school meals, are eligible. Children in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or from migrant families may also qualify.
3. How much will eligible families receive?
Answer: Each eligible child will receive $120 in total benefits for the summer period (June–August 2025).
4. How will families receive the benefits?
Answer: Benefits will be loaded onto an EBT card—either a newly issued Summer EBT card or an existing SNAP/P-EBT card.
5. What food items can be purchased with Summer EBT?
Answer: Eligible items include fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, grains, and other groceries. Hot prepared foods, pet food, and non-food items are not allowed.