SUN Meals and other summer food help if your state doesn't have SUN Bucks

When kids are home for the summer, they lose access to free or reduced lunches and breakfasts they would normally have during the school year.

SUN Bucks (also called Summer EBT) was created to help fill that gap—giving families $120 per eligible school-age child to spend on groceries over the summer.

But states have to opt in, and in 2026, these states aren’t participating:

Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah

If you live in one of these states, SUN Bucks isn’t available this summer. But other programs can help.

Free summer meals program (SUN Meals)#free-summer-meals-program-sun-meals

The USDA’s SUN Meals program serves free breakfast, lunch, and snacks to any child 18 or under at thousands of locations across the country. It runs in all 50 states, including those that don't participate in SUN Bucks.

Locations include schools, parks, libraries, churches, and community centers. No sign-up, no ID, and no income verification required. Kids show up and receive a free meal.

To find a site near you:

• Text “FOOD” (or "COMIDA") to 304-304
• Call the USDA Hotline at 1-866-348-6479

Sites typically have set hours, and schedules can change throughout the summer, so it's a good idea to confirm before heading out.

Rural areas may offer a SUN Meals To-Go option, where families can pick up meals or have them delivered. Check your local site for details.

Double Up Food Bucks (and other nutrition incentive programs)#double-up-food-bucks-and-other-nutrition-incentive-programs

If your household gets SNAP benefits, Double Up Food Bucks can stretch what you're already spending on produce.

When you use your EBT card to buy fruits and vegetables at a participating store or farmers markets, the program matches what you spend dollar-for-dollar, up to a set daily limit. No separate application needed. If you have an active SNAP EBT card, you're automatically eligible wherever the program is offered.

Double Up Food Bucks is year-round and is currently available in these 26 states:

Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts (Boston area), Michigan, Minnesota (limited locations), Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina (Western NC), North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah

Many states that don’t participate in Double Up Food Bucks have their own state-specific nutrition incentive programs that work similarly. For example, Market Match in California, Fresh Access Bucks in Florida, Produce Perks in Ohio, and Farm Fresh Rewards in Maine.

Food banks and pantries#food-banks-and-pantries

Local food banks and pantries are great resources for families who need to stock their home kitchen rather than visit a meal site.

What's available varies by location. Options may include pre-packaged food boxes, fresh and canned food you pick up, or mobile pantries that bring groceries directly to your neighborhood. Some school pantries also stay open during the summer, so check with your school or local food bank to see if that's available in your area.

Most don't require ID or proof of income, though some may ask for a utility bill or basic information about your household. If you can, it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm what's needed.

Find a food bank near you on Feeding America's website, or call 211 to get connected with local resources.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)#special-supplemental-nutrition-program-for-women-infants-and-children-wic

If you have kids under 5, or if you're pregnant or recently postpartum, WIC provides monthly benefits for specific foods, including fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, whole grains, and baby food. It runs year-round and isn't affected by your state's SUN Bucks participation.

WIC participants can also take advantage of the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) by contacting their local office. This program provides extra benefits beyond your regular WIC package, specifically for fresh fruits and vegetables at approved farmers markets and roadside stands. It’s available in most states.

Contact your local WIC office or visit fns.usda.gov/wic to find your state's program.

What if the meal sites aren't accessible?#what-if-the-meal-sites-arent-accessible

Distance, transportation, or limited hours can make it hard to reach a meal site, but a few adjustments can help these programs work better for you:

• Ask about SUN Meals To-Go. Some areas offer grab-and-go or delivery services, so you don't have to visit every day or stay on-site to eat.
• Call ahead before you go. Schedules, meal times, and availability can vary. A quick call can help you avoid making a trip when meals aren't being served.
• Look for mobile or delivery options. Some food pantries and community programs offer mobile distributions or delivery services that bring food closer to where families live.
• Pair resources to fill the gaps. If you can’t make it to a meal site every day, using options like food banks or pantries for groceries at home can help cover the days in between.
• Ask about transportation support. Some cities offer free or discounted bus passes for low-income residents, including people who receive benefits like SNAP.
• Check places you already go. Meal programs are often offered at schools, libraries, parks, and community centers, which might make them easier to fit into your routine.
• Call 211 for help navigating options. Local 211 operators may know about transportation support, nearby alternatives, or lesser-known programs in your area.