Sacramento County, California – For many Sacramento County households, the final school bell of the year brings excitement, longer days and plans for summer. It can also bring a quieter concern: how to cover additional grocery costs when children are no longer eating meals at school each day.
This summer, help is returning. The California Department of Social Services is bringing back SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, for summer 2026. The Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance is helping families understand the program and make sure eligible children receive their benefits.
Through SUN Bucks, qualifying families can receive $120 for each eligible child to purchase groceries during the summer months. The benefit is designed to support children when access to school meals may be limited while classes are out.
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SUN Bucks operates in a way that is similar to CalFresh food benefits. Families can use the money to purchase eligible food items, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat and whole grains. Benefits can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets and other locations that accept EBT cards.
For many children, enrollment will happen automatically. Children between the ages of 6 and 18 may automatically qualify if they receive CalFresh, CalWORKs and/or Medi-Cal and their household income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
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Students who have already been approved for free or reduced-price school meals may also be eligible without needing to take an additional step. The same applies to children identified through their school as migrant, homeless or foster youth.
Additional children attending schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program may also qualify for SUN Bucks.
Families whose children are automatically enrolled will not need to submit an application. Beginning in May 2026, a SUN Bucks EBT card will be mailed directly to the family for each eligible child.
Because the card will arrive by mail, families are encouraged to check that their mailing address is current with both their child’s school and their local county social services office. An outdated address could delay the delivery of benefits meant to help during the summer.
Not every eligible child will necessarily be enrolled automatically. Families who do not receive automatic benefits still have an opportunity to apply. They may submit a school meal application or a Universal Benefits Application, also known as a UBA, through their child’s school or school district.
The deadline to complete that process for summer 2026 is Aug. 31, 2026.
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Once benefits are loaded onto a SUN Bucks card, families should keep track of the expiration period. The benefits expire 122 days after they are loaded onto the card, meaning unused funds will not remain available indefinitely. Families are encouraged to use the benefits promptly as they plan meals and grocery shopping during the summer.
Benefit information can be managed through the free ebtEDGE mobile app or online at ebt.ca.gov.
Families with questions about SUN Bucks, including concerns involving lost cards or address changes, can contact the SUN Bucks Helpline at (877) 328-9677.
As summer approaches, SUN Bucks offers eligible Sacramento County families added grocery support at a time when household food needs can rise. More information about SUN Bucks and other food assistance programs is available through the Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance website.