Parent Resources » SUNBucks

SUNBucks

SUNBucks Logo
What is SUN Bucks?
  • Summer Grocery Support: SUN Bucks provides food assistance to families with eligible school-age children during the summer break when school meals are unavailable.
  • State Partnership: The program is a joint effort between the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the California Department of Education (CDE).
  • School District Role: Local school districts (LEAs) are essential in determining student eligibility for the program.
 
Who is Eligible for SUN Bucks?
Most children are identified automatically through existing state data, but some families may need to take action depending on their school's meal program.
 
1. Automatic Eligibility (No Action Needed): Children are automatically enrolled if they are age 6–18 and meet one of the following:
  • Students directly certified to participate in CalFresh, CalWORKs, or FDPIR. Note: Children receiving Medi-Cal benefits with a confirmed household income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level will be automatically certified.
  • The student is officially designated as foster, homeless, or migrant.
 
2. Eligibility via Application (Action Will Be Needed)
  • A Universal Benefits Application (UBA) to confirm SUN Bucks eligibility.
 
How to Apply
If your child was not automatically enrolled, you can still secure SUN Bucks for the summer. Follow these steps to ensure your family receives these benefits:
  1. Check Your Status
If you haven't received a notice of eligibility, contact your school’s front office or nutrition department to see if your child is already on the list.
  1. Submit Your Application
Ensure your application is submitted before the end of the school year. 
While electronic submission** of the UBA application is preferred, see paper applications below:
**Your child's School Office Staff or School Services Department will help you submit an electronic application. An appointment is preferred. 
 
Contact your child's school.
 
Depending on your child's school, you will need to fill out one of the following forms:
  • Universal Benefits Application (UBA): For schools where all students already eat for free.
  • Electronic submission preferred.
  1. Act Early
Ensure your application is submitted before the end of the school year. This allows your school to process the data and send it to the state in time for summer distribution.
 
Questions?
Contact: SUN BUCKS SUPPORT NUMBER (562) 855-1950
 
If you want more information about this program, please visit cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks or www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/sunbucks.asp