‘SUN Bucks' program looks to fill summer void for students who receive free school meals

A 'SNAP welcomed here' sign is seen at the entrance to a Big Lots store in Portland, Oregon. (Photo)
Utah families struggling with their grocery bill will have a little extra relief this summer, with the 'SUN Bucks' program looking to fill the void left by free school meals.
Once the school year ends, families will be able to get an extra $120 per eligible school-age child to buy groceries. Sometimes called Summer EBT, the program is available for families that already receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. Families on Medicaid or whose children already qualify for free or reduced school meals are also eligible.
'SUN Bucks is a federal program to help combat childhood hunger,' said Muris Prses, director of eligibility at the state's Department of Workforce Services, in a statement. 'This is a great way for families to stretch their grocery budget during the summer.'
According to the Utah Food Bank, at least 1 in 8 Utahns, and 1 in 6 children, are food insecure, meaning they lack consistent access to enough food to live a safe and active life.
That adds up to about 415,000 people in Utah who aren't sure where their next meal will come from.
Despite opt-outs by GOP states, debut of kids' summer food program seen as a success
Utah was among 13 states with Republican governors that opted out of the federal program last summer, opposing what they called 'welfare' and signaling unwillingness to cover administrative costs. Even with some states choosing not to participate, the program was hailed as a success despite some challenges in its first year.
The Utah Legislature this year passed HB100 requiring that the state join Summer EBT, while also granting free school lunch to any students who qualify for reduced-price meals.
Summer EBT is expected to support an estimated 260,000 Utah children.
According to data from Feeding America, San Juan County has some of the highest rates among young people, with about 26% of children there experiencing food insecurity — neighboring Garfield County is not far behind, at about 25%.
With the SUN Bucks program, these families can buy foods like meat, fruit, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products at places that accept SNAP benefits, like grocery stores and farmers markets. The state's 'Double Up Food Bucks' program allows these benefits to earn an extra $2 for every $1 spent on fresh produce.
Eligible children will be automatically enrolled in the program, according to the state — families whose children attend a school where students already receive a free lunch can apply at the state's website.
SUN meals is a similar program offering free meals and snacks for school-age children, offering a to-go option for pickup or delivery in rural areas.
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