Delaware SUN Bucks Available in June to Help Families Feed Children this Summer

NEW CASTLE - Starting this month, qualifying families will have access to SUN Bucks, also known as the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program, to help them access nutritious food for their children when school is out.

SUN Bucks provides $120 in grocery benefits per eligible school-age child during the summer months, helping families bridge the gap when free and reduced-price school meals are not available.

Most eligible children will be automatically enrolled in the program. This includes children whose families participate in programs such as SNAP or TANF, or who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Families who are not automatically enrolled may apply through the state's ASSIST portal. The SUN Bucks program is part of a nationwide effort to reduce child hunger during the summer months, when many children lose access to school-based meals. Families are encouraged to ensure their contact information is up to date with their child's school or state benefits account to avoid delays in receiving benefits.

"We expect this benefit to assist approximately 98,000 children in Delaware to receive nutritious food during these summer months," said Division of Social Services Director Stephanie Staats. "That is $11.76 million in funding that will go toward helping our kids thrive physically and mentally."

Benefits are issued on an existing EBT card for families already receiving SNAP or on a newly issued SUN Bucks card mailed directly to households. The funds can be used to purchase groceries at authorized retailers, following the same guidelines as SNAP benefits.

For more information about SUN Bucks or to apply, visit the Delaware ASSIST Portal.