RICHMOND — Virginia families have until Aug. 31 to apply for the state’s summer nutrition program, which provides a one-time $120 benefit for each eligible school-age child.
More than 628,000 Virginia children have received SUN Bucks since the program launched in June, according to the administration of Gov. Abigail Spanberger. Nearly 705,000 children are expected to be eligible statewide.
SUN Bucks is part of the federal Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program and is intended to help families buy food during the summer months when children do not have access to school meals.
“No family should have to worry about where their next meal will come from simply because school is out for the summer,” Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin B. Figueroa said in a statement.
The benefit can be used to purchase groceries, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and meat, at retailers that accept SNAP EBT benefits. Families can also use SUN Bucks at participating farmers markets.
Most eligible families are automatically enrolled and do not need to apply. That includes households receiving SNAP or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, students approved for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program and most children receiving certain income-based Medicaid benefits.
Families who are not automatically enrolled can apply online, submit a paper application by mail or call the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center at 866-513-1414. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and accepts applications through Aug. 31.
Benefits are added to a household’s SNAP EBT card. Families who do not have a SNAP EBT card will receive a separate SUN Bucks card that works like a debit card.
The Virginia Department of Social Services said it launched an online application this year to make it easier for eligible households to apply.
Virginia is one of 39 states participating in the federal Summer EBT program. The state also participates in Virginia Fresh Match, which can double the value of SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and local food retailers.
