OLYMPIA – The Summer EBT program is now available permanently in participating states, including Washington.

That means families whose kids qualify for free or reduced-price school meals will receive a pre-loaded nutrition benefits card, worth about $120 per child, in the form of “SUN Bucks.”

SUN Bucks can be used to buy groceries over the summer, such as fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and snacks. This will make a big difference in helping more kids get the good, nutritious food they need when school is out, and at least half a million children in Washington state are going to benefit from this new program.

The national Summer EBT program was passed into law in December of 2022, and this summer it goes into effect for the first time. Families already enrolled in benefits like SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR will automatically be enrolled in the Summer EBT program.

If you’re not automatically enrolled, and you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply by calling the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 833-543-3230, Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm.

Many grocery stores, farmers’ markets, convenience stores, and online retailers accept SUN Bucks. You can use the SNAP Retailer Locater to find stores near you!