MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education, announced that Alabama SUN Bucks benefits will be distributed to eligible children again this summer.
According to DHR, the program provides a one-time benefit of $120 per school-aged child to help low-income families purchase groceries during the summer months when school is out. The benefit is intended to supplement the free and reduced-price meals available during the school year.
Officials said Alabama SUN Bucks will be automatically issued to school-aged children who have been approved by application or direct certification and attend a school participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program. Children directly certified through programs such as SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid will automatically qualify.
Families whose children are not automatically enrolled may still apply for benefits. DHR noted that students receiving free meals through the Community Eligibility Provision do not automatically qualify but may still be eligible based on household income.
“With the rising costs of groceries and gas, the summer break can be challenging for families when children are at home,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “This benefit will help families across the state make it through summer break while also encouraging healthy and nutritious eating.”
According to DHR, qualifying students will receive an Alabama SUN Bucks card. Benefits will begin being issued this month and will remain available on the card for up to four months after they are issued.
Families seeking more information or wishing to apply can visit the Alabama SUN Bucks website or contact customer service at 1-800-443-3536.
