DCYF is tracking federal actions that may affect programs serving Minnesota children and families. Get verified facts, current status, and how services continue.
SUN Bucks
SUN Bucks is an income-based food support program that provides families with $120 per eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out for the summer. Most eligible children are automatically enrolled. When children no longer receive free meals at school, their households might need extra help putting food on the table. The SUN Bucks program is designed to meet this seasonal need.
Eligibility
School-aged children between the ages of 7-17 whose households participate in specific public assistance programs, or children who have an approved application to receive free and reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program.
Benefits
Eligible children get $120 on a SUN Bucks EBT card for the summer to spend on approved groceries.
How the SUN Bucks program works
For each eligible child, families will receive a new SUN Bucks card in 2026. Their account will have $120 in benefits for the summer period ($40 per month for June, July and August). SUN Bucks cards can be used just like an EBT card. Learn more about where to shop with a SUN Bucks card, what participants can buy and more on the Minnesota EBT card webpage.
- The card will be labeled SUN Bucks. The child's name and card number will be printed on the front of the card.
- Benefits can be used at authorized retailers, such as grocery stores and farmers markets, to purchase healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats and other protein sources, whole grains and dairy.
- SUN Bucks benefits will expire 122 days after the benefit availability date. Please visit www.ebtedge.com or call ebtEDGE customer service at 888-997-2227 for the child’s specific benefit issuance date.
- If the card is lost, contact Edge for a replacement.
- Families who receive other EBT benefits should begin using their SUN Bucks card as soon as possible and use up all SUN Bucks benefits before continuing to use their regular EBT benefits.
- Please note: Eligible children may receive one $120 SUN Bucks benefit per summer. Starting with the summer of 2026, any extra benefits spent must be paid back to the SUN Bucks agency. If more than one benefit is received for a child, contact the Help Line at (651) 539-8447 or fill out the SUN Bucks Help Form. Do not spend extra benefits.
- Families with eligible children who have provided their cell phone number will receive text messages about the SUN Bucks program. Families can opt out at any time. Standard data and message rates apply. See terms and conditions.
