604,000 Children to Receive $120 for Nutritious Foods This Summer
Contributed Article
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) announced the launch of SUN Bucks 2026. This marks the third year that the summer food assistance program has returned to support children.
SUN Bucks provides $120 per eligible child to supplement the purchase of nutritious food this summer while school meals are not available. Last week, DES began issuing the first SUN Bucks to nearly 270,000 children, totaling approximately $32 million. An estimated 604,000 Arizona children will benefit from the program this summer, infusing $72.5 million into Arizona’s economy.
“When our kids have access to nutritious food, they succeed, and when our kids succeed, Arizona thrives,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “I’m proud to deliver SUN Bucks to hundreds of thousands of children across the state, providing relief for working families and supporting our state’s economy. As Arizona families continue to face rising costs, I will keep fighting for them.”
“Nutrition is a year-round necessity. Yet for many Arizona families, the summer months mark the beginning of a period of food insecurity,” said DES Director Michael Wisehart. “SUN Bucks ensures that the lack of a school calendar does not mean a lack of healthy food. We are committed to closing the summer hunger gap and providing Arizona parents with the resources they need to keep their children nourished and ready to succeed.”
“Good nutrition is essential to support the health and development of all students,” said Superintendent Tom Horne. “We are once again working with the USDA and DES to bring this federal grocery benefits program to Arizona, which is projected to provide additional assistance to over 600,000 students who might not otherwise have the meals they need this summer.”
“Arizona food banks are serving about 800,000 people each month. This volume is greater than ever before, and we expect it to increase over the summer. SUN Bucks, paired with the Summer Food Service Program providing meals across the state, will relieve the extra pressure on food banks. But, more importantly, it will relieve the pressure on parents to keep a full pantry while kids are out of school,” said April Bradham, President and CEO of the Arizona Food Bank Network.
Who Will Benefit?
Eligible families currently participating in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Programs may receive this assistance, as well as those who received Nutrition or Cash Assistance benefits any month between July 1, 2025, and August 3, 2026. Families who received Medical Assistance during this period and have a household income below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are also eligible for SUN Bucks. For more information on eligibility, visit www.azed.gov/SUNBucks.
When Will Families Receive SUN Bucks?
DES issued the first benefits last week. For current DES Nutrition and Cash Assistance clients, SUN Bucks are added directly to a family’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, alongside the benefits they may normally receive. SNAP families whose cases are closed or who did not receive a SNAP benefit in the months of April or May will receive a new SUN Bucks card in the mail. Additional benefits will be issued this week.
Families who do not already have an EBT card but have children newly eligible this year will be sent an EBT card loaded with SUN Bucks. Families will receive benefit letters and cards (if applicable) at the address on file with DES, AHCCCS, or their school district. Please ensure your address is up to date to avoid any delay.
Students attending a school participating in the National School Lunch Program/School Breakfast Program who are not automatically eligible for SUN Bucks may apply at www.azed.gov/SUNBucks. Students at schools that provide free meals to all students might not automatically qualify for SUN Bucks. Please see “How do I apply for SUN Bucks?” above to determine if a SUN Bucks application is required. The last day to submit an application is August 3, 2026.
