‘SUN Program’ includes new grocery benefits, in-person dining and grab-and-go meals
WASHINGTON, May 21, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the launch of the SUN Program: USDA Summer Nutrition Program for Children, which aims to improve summer nutrition security. . Through the SUN suite of programs, families can take advantage of new SUN Bucks, SUN Meals, and the previously launched SUN Meals To-Go to give their children and teens even more access to summer nutritional support. You now have options and convenience. Collectively, these programs continue the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to promote food and nutrition security.
“Nearly 30 million children participate in USDA’s school breakfast and lunch programs on weekdays, but when school is out, children miss out on these important meals,” said Secretary of Agriculture Tom.・Mr. Vilsack said. “USDA’s SUN program provides even more options for families to easily get the essential nutrients their children need to grow, learn, and thrive during the summer holidays and beyond.”
SUN Bucks is a new evidence-based Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program that will provide a $120 grocery allowance per eligible school-age child this summer. Benefits are adjusted annually for inflation and are higher outside the 48 contiguous states. SUN Bucks helps families and caregivers increase their summer grocery budget and purchase foods that best meet their family’s needs, cultural traditions, and preferences. Research shows that this type of summer food benefit reduces child hunger by 33% during the summer, and increases intake of whole grains, dairy products, fruits and vegetables by children in participating households, and improves diets. Patterns have also been shown to be improved.
This first summer, many states, the District of Columbia, all U.S. territories and some tribal nations have partnered with USDA to make SUN Bucks available in their communities. Approximately 21 million children are expected to benefit from SUN Bucks this summer.
In participating regions, SUN Bucks can be used at a variety of grocery stores and other food retailers to purchase other food products your family already receives, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women and Infants. Available in addition to stipend. , Children (WIC), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Families with eligible children who currently receive SNAP and other benefits will be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks. Others must apply annually.
In addition to new grocery benefits, the SUN program also provides nutritious meals and snacks during the summer to children 18 and under in high-poverty areas and populations across the United States.
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SUN Meals are provided at schools, parks, community centers, and other nearby locations. This long-term, in-person summer meal program has been available to the community since 1968. Meals are often accompanied by enrichment activities to support children’s healthy growth and development.
Launched in 2023, SUN Meals To-Go offers pick-up and delivery options when SUN Meals is unavailable and in some rural areas.
“We are encouraged by the bipartisan action in Congress to ensure no child goes hungry during the summer,” said Agriculture Undersecretary Xochitl Torres Small. “President Biden’s investments in high-quality, nutritious school meals will create healthier, brighter futures for children across America, and USDA’s SUN program will help families support their children’s nutritional needs. We offer more ways than ever before.”
These nutrition programs are in line with the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases by 2030, set out at the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022. It advances national strategic objectives.
To help families access local services, USDA’s SUN program website (www.fns.usda.gov/summer) directs visitors to local resources and links to nearby SUN Meals sites. We’ll also show you how to find it and see if SUN Meals To-Go is available in your area. Information will be updated throughout the summer. USDA’s SUN program website also provides information about SUN Bucks and provides links to states and jurisdictions offering the new grocery benefit. This site is also available in Spanish at www.fns.usda.gov/verano.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans in many positive ways every day. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA will transform America’s food system to focus on more resilient local and regional food production and ensure access to healthy, nutritious food in all communities. , build new markets and income streams for farmers and producers who use climate-smart food and forestry practices, make historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capacity in rural America, and eliminate systemic barriers. We are committed to equity across the Department by building a workforce that is more representative of America. For more information, please visit www.usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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