The State of California has introduced a new summer scheme as part of the CalFresh program, aiming to combat food hunger during the months off school for American citizens on low income. But how does it work, and how is it activated?
What Is The CalFresh Program?
CalFresh, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program and federally recognized as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is California’s initiative to combat hunger and improve nutrition.
It provides low-income individuals and families with monthly benefits to purchase groceries, aiming to ensure food security and promote healthy eating. The program is overseen by the California Department of Social Services.
How Do CalFresh Benefits Work?
Benefits are delivered electronically via an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card, which can be used at authorized retailers, including grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and some online retailers.
The EBT card is very similar to how the SUN Bucks card will work. To activate the card, it simply has to be used within 122 days of the funds being added to the card, much like how the CalFresh EBT cards require use to keep the funding alive and activated.
What Is The SUN Bucks Program?
Known as a Summer EBT (S-EBT), the SUN Bucks card will offer families $120 per eligible child to ensure they can keep their school-aged children well-fed and well-nourished over the summer break.
Children aged between six and 18, who are on the CalFresh or Medi-Cal program, are automatically eligible for the SUN Bucks benefit.
Cards will automatically be mailed to recorded addresses for the CalFresh or Medi-Cal schemes.
Who Is Eligible For The SUN Bucks Program?
Similarly, children/young people up to the age of 22 who are on a national school lunch program or breakfast program and are approved for free or reduced meal prices will automatically be enrolled in the scheme.
Children attending a CEP/Provision 1, 2, or 3 school could also be eligible, but the claimant must contact their school for the alternative income form, which will then be pending application approval.
Eligibility for any part of the SUN Bucks Card program is not based on immigration status.
How To Activate Your SUN Bucks Card?
To activate your SUN Bucks card, simply use it within 122 days of the funds being added to the card. This ensures that the card remains active and that you can continue to receive benefits.
If you have any questions about eligibility or need assistance with your SUN Bucks card, contact the SUN Bucks Helpline at (877)328-9677.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The SUN Bucks Program?
The SUN Bucks program is a Summer EBT program providing $120 per eligible child to ensure food security during the summer break.
Who Is Eligible For The SUN Bucks Program?
Children aged between six and 18, who are on the CalFresh or Medi-Cal program, are automatically eligible for the SUN Bucks benefit.
How Do I Activate My SUN Bucks Card?
To activate your SUN Bucks card, simply use it within 122 days of the funds being added to the card.