By Arlenys Tabare
By this summer 2026, more than 3.5 million California children from low-income families will automatically be eligible for SUN Bucks or Summer time EBT program, which will be distributing up to $120 in food benefits to combat food insecurity.
In this regard, Governor Gavin Newsom commented that this program is crucial to the fight against child food insecurity. “As the nation’s agricultural leader, our state will not let our own children go hungry. This funding will help connect eligible families with access to nutritious food to keep children fed over the summer holidays. and without access to free school meals,” he said.
According to him California Department of Social Services (CDSS)EBT cards have already begun to be sent to enrolled children automatically, so infants who are not yet enrolled can submit their application before August 31 of this year.
Payments of up to $40 per month will be sent to families in June, July and August for a total of $120 per childand according to the entity’s rules, the money must be used within 122 days from the moment it was deposited on the card, for the purchase of basic foods, since unused funds will expire within that period.
CDSS Director Jennifer Troia said, “Since the program launched in 2024, families and caregivers across the state have made more than $877 million in food purchases using SUN Bucks food benefits. “We are happy to see this program continue into its third year providing essential meals to children during the summer months,” said.
California won’t be the only state distributing financial aid to low-income families this summer; other entities, such as Alabama, Connecticut, Maine. Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, North Dakota, Virginia and Washington DC They will also send benefits to their eligible residents.
Keep reading:
- USDA opens new aid for farmers: who can sign up until August
- Can you receive Social Security if you have never worked?
- SNAP: What you should know about the new restrictions on food purchases
- SNAP food stamps in California: when will you receive the benefit in June 2026?
