SUN Bucks Serve One Million NC Children

North Carolina said on June 1 that the first round of 2026 SUN Bucks benefits will reach more than 1 million children across the state. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said the first issuance alone will distribute $121 million to eligible families. Governor Josh Stein said the program is aimed at children who lose access to free and reduced-price school meals during summer break. The benefits can be used to buy food at participating retailers, farmers markets and some online stores, according to state program materials. ### How much money is going out in this first round? The June 1 announcement put the first 2026 issuance at $121 million for more than 1 million children in North Carolina. NCDHHS said that total covers the first round of benefits for summer 2026, not the full season. Governor Stein said in the release that many children are vulnerable to hunger in summer because they no longer receive the school meals they depend on during the academic year. (ncdhhs.gov) The federal Summer EBT program, branded in North Carolina as SUN Bucks, provides $120 per eligible child during the summer months. USDA and North Carolina program materials both describe the benefit as a one-time summer food payment for each qualifying child. ### Who gets SUN Bucks automatically, and who has to apply? North Carolina says many children are automatically enrolled and do not need to submit an application. (ncdhhs.gov) NCDHHS says that includes children in schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program who already receive free or reduced-price meals, as well as children in households that receive certain income-based benefits. USDA says children receiving SNAP, TANF, FDPIR or certain other qualifying benefits may also be enrolled automatically, while other eligible households may need to apply. (fns.usda.gov) The state’s 2026 application page says some families still need to file for benefits this spring and summer. North Carolina says the last day to apply for 2026 SUN Bucks is August 15. ### Where can families use the benefit? NCDHHS says SUN Bucks are issued on debit-like EBT cards that families can use to buy food during the summer period. State materials say the cards can be used at participating grocery stores, farmers markets and other approved food retailers. (ncdhhs.gov) The June 1 release said the program also works with local retailers and markets to expand access to nutritious food. (ncdhhs.gov) North Carolina’s SUN Bucks page says the program is intended as food assistance for eligible children, and the state’s guidance describes the benefits as time-limited. A North Carolina policy memo says benefits expire 122 days after they are issued. ### How does this compare with North Carolina’s first SUN Bucks summer? North Carolina said in a November 13, 2024 release that its first SUN Bucks summer delivered more than $129 million in food assistance to more than 1 million children and families. (ncdhhs.gov) That earlier release described the 2024 rollout as the state’s first summer under the program. (ncdhhs.gov) The 2026 announcement points to another statewide summer rollout, with more than 1 million children included in the first issuance alone. That suggests additional rounds may follow for newly approved applicants or other eligible children, though the June 1 release did not specify a final season total. That is an inference based on the state calling this the “first round” and “first issuance.” (ncdhhs.gov) ### What other summer food help is available besides SUN Bucks? USDA says the Summer Food Service Program provides free meals and snacks to children and teens at schools, parks and other community sites during the summer. The agency says eligible school-aged children may also receive Summer EBT benefits in participating states. North Carolina’s SUN Bucks page lists a program website, hotline and email contact for families seeking help with benefits or applications. (ncdhhs.gov) The state’s application page says no more issuances can be made after the August 15 deadline for 2026 applications. August 15 is the key next date for families that are not automatically enrolled. North Carolina says applications for 2026 SUN Bucks remain open until then through the state SUN Bucks application system, while automatically eligible children continue to receive the one-time $120 summer benefit. (fns.usda.gov) (ncdhhs.gov) (fns.usda.gov)