Raleigh, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has announced that more than one million children across the state have received SUN Bucks benefits in the first round of disbursements for summer 2025, totaling $121 million in food assistance to eligible families.
SUN Bucks is part of the NC SUN Programs for Kids, which ensure children continue to have access to nutritious meals when school is out. The one-time benefit of $120 per eligible child is distributed via debit-like cards and can be used to purchase healthy food at grocery stores and farmers markets that accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
“We are excited to have supported more than one million children and their families through the first round of SUN Bucks in 2025,” said Dev Sangvai, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. “Healthy food is essential to overall health and well-being. This program helps bridge the gap during the summer months, so children can continue to thrive.”
A Critical Resource for Families in Need
The SUN Bucks initiative is particularly vital in North Carolina, where 1 in 6 children live in households without consistent access to food. Distributions for the first round of benefits took place between May 9 and May 11, with SUN Bucks cards being mailed to recipients separately. Although cards may arrive before funds are loaded, benefits will begin appearing on cards starting May 22.
Families who receive SUN Bucks benefits are encouraged to check their mail regularly and activate their cards upon arrival. Delivery can take up to eight weeks, and the cards are usable at most major retailers as well as local farmers markets throughout the state.
Multiple Summer Nutrition Options for N.C. Kids
SUN Bucks is one of three Summer Nutrition Programs available through the USDA and implemented by NCDHHS to support children and teens through the summer:
- SUN Meals: Free meals and snacks served at schools, parks, and community centers, often paired with fitness or educational activities.
- SUN Meals To-Go: Available in rural or underserved areas, offering meal pickup or delivery for children who can’t access in-person sites.
- SUN Bucks: Financial food assistance for families to purchase groceries directly.
To locate SUN Meal sites or learn more about these programs, families can visit SummerMeals4NCKids.org.
How to Apply or Get Help
Families who believe they may be eligible but have not yet applied for SUN Bucks can still do so. Applications and additional details are available on the SUN Bucks website. For assistance, families can call the NC SUN Bucks Call Center at 1-866-719-0141, select a language, then choose option 2 to speak with a representative.
