Pender County, N.C. – Families with school-aged children in Pender County now have access to a new federal benefit aimed at alleviating food insecurity during the summer months. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced SUN Bucks, a program providing $120 per child for grocery purchases. It's important to note that SUN Bucks is not a Pender County Schools initiative, but a federal program available across most of the United States.
SUN Bucks supplements existing benefits such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). Additionally, children can continue to benefit from free SUN Meals provided by local meal sites or through SUN Meals To-Go.
Families already receiving benefits through SNAP, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) will automatically have their school-age children enrolled in SUN Bucks if the program is available in their area. Similarly, children attending schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP), who qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household income, may also be automatically enrolled.
For those not automatically enrolled, there is an option to apply directly for SUN Bucks. Eligibility requires meeting certain income limits and other criteria. Once approved, SUN Bucks benefits may be added to an existing SNAP account, issued as a separate electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, or distributed through other methods depending on the location.
Pender County Schools encourages all eligible families to take advantage of this valuable resource to help ensure children have access to nutritious food during the summer break.
For additional assistance or inquiries, please reach out to the provided contacts.
SUN Bucks Application: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/sunbucksapplication
Website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/sunbucks
Hotline: 1-866-719-0141 (select option 2)
Email: dcfw.sunbucks@dhhs.nc.gov
SUN Bucks Flyer: English | Spanish