Millions of Kids Gain Food Access Through California's New Summer Benefit Program

For millions of California families, summer brings a break from school but also a gap in reliable meals. Over 4 million children in the state will soon receive $120 in grocery benefits through the SUN Bucks program, a state-run initiative designed to keep kids fed when school cafeterias close. Launched in 2024, the program sends electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards to eligible households, offering a practical way to buy food during June, July, and August.

This effort, one of the largest of its kind in the nation, comes as childhood food insecurity remains a pressing issue across the United States. In 2023, nearly one in five U.S. households with children struggled to access enough food, a problem worsened by rising costs and the end of pandemic-era aid. California’s program aims to bridge this gap, ensuring kids have consistent access to nutritious meals year-round.

The SUN Bucks initiative builds on a federal program, Summer EBT, which Congress made permanent in 2023. While California has embraced it, not every state has followed suit. This patchwork of participation highlights a broader debate about how best to address child hunger, with some praising government intervention and others questioning its scope and cost.

Eligibility for SUN Bucks is straightforward. Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, or who receive benefits like CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal, are automatically enrolled. Kids in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or attending Head Start also qualify without needing to apply. This automatic process, managed by the California Department of Social Services and Department of Education, reaches over 4 million children, with cards mailed out starting in June 2025.

Each child gets $120, equivalent to $40 per month for the three summer months. Families can use these EBT cards at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other approved retailers. The funds must be spent within 122 days, or they expire, a rule set by federal guidelines to encourage timely use. For families not automatically enrolled, a Universal Benefits Application submitted by September 1, 2025, can secure benefits.

Last year, SUN Bucks fueled nearly $500 million in food purchases, a boon for both families and local economies. Each dollar spent through the program generates up to $1.80 in economic activity, supporting grocers and producers. Yet, the program’s reach isn’t universal. Some families miss out due to administrative hurdles or lack of awareness, a challenge state officials are working to address through outreach.

Summer poses unique risks to child nutrition. Research shows kids eat fewer fruits and vegetables, snack more often, and consume more added sugars when school is out. Without the structure of school meals, low-income families face heightened food insecurity, which can lead to weight gain, developmental issues, and emotional stress. In 2023, 6.5 million U.S. households with children reported food insecurity, with rates highest among single-parent and minority-led households.

Nationwide, the Summer EBT program aims to tackle this problem, but its rollout has been uneven. While 38 states, Washington D.C., and several territories participate, 12 states have opted out, leaving 9.5 million eligible children without benefits in 2025. This gap underscores differing state priorities, with some citing administrative costs or philosophical objections to expanding federal programs.

Advocates for child welfare argue that programs like SUN Bucks are vital for reducing hunger and improving health outcomes. Studies link food assistance to better academic performance, lower obesity rates, and reduced healthcare costs. On the other hand, some policymakers emphasize personal responsibility, advocating for work requirements or tighter eligibility rules to curb program costs and prevent dependency.

California’s embrace of SUN Bucks reflects a broader commitment to child nutrition. The state was the first to implement universal free school meals for all public school students, a policy that complements summer benefits. Recent laws signed by Governor Gavin Newsom also aim to boost enrollment in food assistance and prioritize locally grown, healthier options, aligning with efforts like the California Farm to School initiative.

Yet, not everyone agrees on the best approach. Some argue that federal and state programs should focus on efficiency, targeting only the neediest families to avoid waste. Proposals like those in Project 2025, a policy framework from conservative think tanks, call for stricter SNAP rules and reduced federal spending, prioritizing work incentives over broad benefits. These ideas contrast with views that favor expanding access to ensure no child falls through the cracks.

The debate isn’t just about money—it’s about values. Supporters of robust food programs see them as investments in kids’ futures, pointing to evidence that well-fed children perform better in school and face fewer health issues. Others stress fiscal discipline, arguing that unchecked spending could strain budgets without solving root causes like poverty or unemployment.

As California gears up for another summer of SUN Bucks, the program’s success will hinge on execution. Streamlining applications, improving outreach, and ensuring timely card delivery are critical to reaching every eligible child. Nationally, the uneven adoption of Summer EBT suggests a need for greater coordination to close gaps in coverage, especially in states that have opted out.

Child hunger remains a stubborn challenge, but programs like SUN Bucks offer a tangible step forward. By blending federal support with state innovation, California is testing a model that could inspire others. The real test will be whether these efforts can not only feed kids today but also pave the way for a future where no child goes hungry, regardless of the season.