A new California program called SUN Bucks is about to be rolled out, ensuring eligible families have extra money to feed their children this summer when most schools are closed. They will receive $40 per month for a total of $120 to help buy food from June through August.

Nearly five million children in our state will be automatically enrolled if they:

• Qualify for free or reduced-price school meals based on
  household size/income; or
• Are enrolled in CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal or Head Start; or
• Are experiencing homelessness or are in foster care; or
• Are part of a migrant family

If you are not automatically enrolled, check with your child's school to see how you can apply. The benefits will be put onto a debit card and mailed over the next few weeks in alphabetical order by last name. It can be used at most grocery stores, farmers markets and online grocery sites. The funds will expire 122 days after they're loaded onto the account. Please take steps to protect your card, as they are not replaceable. SUN Bucks is a federal program that California opted into last year and is expected to continue every summer. If you have questions, please call the hotline: (877) 328-9677.

In addition, many California TK-12 public schools have begun or are about to begin offering summer meals on-site for students within their district. No income or eligibility requirements are needed. The State Department of Education has listed participating sites according to county. The information is constantly being updated, so check back, if necessary.

Hope you have a good summer!

PHIL TING
Assemblymember, 19th District