HONOLULU (KHON2) — Families are encouraged to apply for SUN Bucks before it’s too late.
The program helps families with school-aged children buy food during the summer. The deadline to apply for the summer EBT program is Aug. 3.
SUN Bucks will provide $177 to every eligible child in food benefits.
Who automatically qualifies?
Some children automatically qualify for SUN Bucks without needing to apply:
- Children in households that participated in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) from July 1, 2023, to Aug. 4, 2024.
- Foster children, or children identified by their school as homeless, migrant, or runaway.
- Children attending a school that offers the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and are approved for free or reduced-price school meals.
- Exceptions include Head Start and pre-K students in NSLP-participating programs.
- Who needs to apply?
- Other families need to apply for SUN Bucks if:
- Their children attend a school where all meals are free, but the family did not apply for or was not approved for free or reduced-price meals.
- Their children attend a school operating NSLP but were not approved for free or reduced-price meals during the school year and might now qualify based on household income.
“We’re proud of the progress so far — but we also know many families still need support,” said Department of Homeland Security Director Yamane. “If your child was approved for free or reduced-price meals, or your family received SNAP or TANF, you’re already eligible and don’t need to apply. But if you’re not sure, don’t wait.”
Who needs to apply?
Other families need to apply for SUN Bucks if:
- Their children attend a school where all meals are free, but the family did not apply for or was not approved for free or reduced-price meals.
- Their children attend a school operating NSLP but were not approved for free or reduced-price meals during the school year and might now qualify based on household income.
“SUN Bucks is a reminder that when we invest in our keiki, we invest in the future of our state. These benefits don’t just help families — they strengthen our local economy by putting dollars directly into our grocery stores, farmers markets, and food systems”, said Governor Josh Green.
This dual effort by the state of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Agriculture aims to provide children with access to nutritious meals in the summer when school meals are limited.
“In Hawaii, we care for one another — we malama our keiki, our kupuna and our ohana,” said First Lady Jaime Kanani Green. “SUN Bucks reflects those values. It’s about ensuring every child has what they need nutritionally to grow and thrive — not just during the school year, but all year long. No child in Hawaii should ever go hungry and this program helps us live up to that kuleana.”
Cards will be mailed to eligible households, and the SUN Bucks card can be used at any store that accepts EBT.
For more information, visit the website or call 1-888-975-7328.