Public Relations Department
June 13, 2024
New Mexico is set to introduce the Summer EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) program, also known as SUN Bucks, in the summer of 2024. This initiative aims to provide a grocery benefit of $120 per child to families to offset the costs of groceries when schools are closed for the summer break. With the potential to reach 21 million children, the program is expected to reduce child hunger by 33%.
The program targets children who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch during the school year. Families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be automatically enrolled in the Summer EBT program. Additionally, households with income below 185% of the Federal Poverty Line may also qualify for the program.
While SUN Bucks is being rolled out, families will still have access to USDA summer meal sites to ensure continued support for children's nutritional needs during the summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Gets Automatically Enrolled?
- Families of students currently receiving free or reduced-price lunch
- Children reported by the school as homeless, migrant, or in foster care
- Students who received SNAP, MAGI-Children Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits at any time during the last school year (ages 5-18)
- Automatically eligible children will receive an Information Notice for SUN Bucks starting in mid-July.
Where Can I Apply?
If your household income is less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Line, and your children attend a school participating in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program in New Mexico, you may be eligible to apply. Applications should be submitted before August 15 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SummerEBT. Alternatively, you can mail the application to:
New Mexico Public Education Department
300 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe, NM 85701
Attn: Summer EBT/ SSWB
Where Can Summer EBT/SUN Bucks Be Spent?
Summer EBT funds can be utilized at establishments that accept SNAP benefits. Families can use the benefits at grocery stores, farmers markets, and certain online retailers displaying the Quest logo. The benefits must be used within 122 days of being issued, and families will receive a notice when there are 30 days remaining to spend SUN Bucks.
How Do I Know if My Family Meets the 185% Federal Poverty Line?
To determine if your family meets the income criteria, you can refer to the Federal Poverty Line guidelines provided by the New Mexico Department of Health.
How Will I Receive SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks will be issued in August 2024. A new SUN Bucks EBT card will be mailed to the oldest child's name, containing each child's eligible benefit. For children already receiving SNAP, TANF, or MAGI-Children Medicaid, the Summer EBT card will be mailed to the address on file. It's important to ensure that your child's school or the relevant program has the correct mailing address on file.
How Can I Help Spread the Word?
- Encourage families to verify and update their mailing address.
- Inform automatically enrolled families to be on the lookout for their cards in the mail.
- Share that immigrant and non-US citizens are eligible for the program, and participation does not affect immigration status.
- Encourage families with eligible children to apply for the program.
For further information, please visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks and https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/sun-bucks/.
This program represents a significant step towards combating child hunger during the summer months and supporting families in need.