This summer, Missouri will offer SuN Bucks, a summer grocery benefits program that provides families $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out.
Summer is a time when many children lose access to the free and reduced-price meals provided at school, and they may not have regular meals available. Most eligible children will receive these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply. The new program supplements the free meals that kids can access at meal sites in their communities.
BENEFITS
■ Helps more kids get access to healthy foods at the grocery store.
■ Gives the flexibility to select a variety of foods.
■ Improves food security and diet quality for participating children.
ELIGIBILITY
Children are eligible for the program if:
■ The household already takes part in SNAP, TANF, etc., or
■ The child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, and the household income qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals.
ENROLLMENT
Many children will receive Summer EBT/SuN Bucks automatically if they are receiving other benefits, but some families may need to apply.
■ The Summer EBT/SuN Bucks program will automatically enroll households that already participate in SNAP, TANF, or receive free or reduced- price meals. Households do not need to submit an application.
■ If the household is not automatically enrolled and a child might be eligible, they can obtain Summer EBT/SuN Bucks by filling out a simple application. To determine if a household is eligible and to learn more about completing an application, visit https://mydss. mo.gov/SuNBucks.
The Perry County School District does not operate this program, so its staff cannot provide answers to your questions. If you have questions regarding the SuN Bucks Program, contact the Department of Social Services, Family Support Division, at 855-373-4636.
HOW IT WORKS
The program will provide benefits to an EBT card for grocery purchases. Families will receive $120 for each eligible child during the summer. Benefits can be utilized at authorized locations to purchase healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, protein sources, whole grains, and dairy. Encourage families who may have eligible children to apply. Find eligibility information and an application at https://mydss.mo.gov/SuNBucks
