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SUN Bucks program available for free/reduced-eligible students

(06/04/2025) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the SUN Bucks program. This income-based food support program provides families $120 per eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out for the summer. 

Families who are not yet eligible can still apply for the benefits through Aug. 31, 2025. Visit ahschools.us/freereduced to complete an online application.

Eligibility: School-aged children between the ages of 7-18 whose households participate in specific public assistance programs (SNAP, Medicaid) or children who have an approved Application for Educational Benefits to receive free and reduced-price benefits through the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program.

Benefits: Eligible children get $120 on a SUN Bucks EBT card for the summer to spend on approved groceries.

What do parents need to do?

  • Ensure the school has the correct guardian information and mailing address, if there has been a recent change. Contact the secretary at your child’s school, who can update the guardian information and address.
  • If you have any questions about your child’s eligibility for the program, contact the Child Nutrition Department at 763-506-1240.
  • If you have other questions about the program, such as when cards will be sent, please contact the SUN Bucks Hotline at 651-431-4608 (8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) or visit the website at https://dcyf.mn.gov/sun-bucks.

Summer meals: Anoka-Hennepin is also participating in the Summer Food Service Program, providing meals to all children 18 and under at no cost. Learn more about the Summer Food Service Program.