CRANSTON, RI – Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced the upcoming issuance of SUN Bucks benefits for Rhode Island children for the 2024–2025 academic year.
DHS will disburse the first issuance of a one-time benefit of $120 per eligible child on June 9 to help ensure continued access to nutritious meals during the summer months. If you anticipate receiving a benefit on June 9 and are not issued the benefit, please apply through the RI DHS website. The Sun Bucks application remains open on the RI DHS website throughout the summer with a deadline of August 31, 2025.
Formerly known as Summer EBT, SUN Bucks is a food nutrition program designed to help close the meal gap for children from low-income households who receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Eligible children include those who:
– Are between the ages of 6–18 and are part of a household receiving SNAP, Rhode Island Works, or Medicaid benefits (with income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level);
– Are classified as foster children, homeless, migrants, Head Start participants, or runaways;
– Attend a school participating in the NSLP or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and qualify for free or reduced-price meals through an application;
– Attend a special provision school and are determined eligible for free or reduced-price meals through an application;
– Attend an NSLP/SBP school and meet income requirements (at or below 185% of the federal poverty level) based on a submitted online or paper SUN Bucks application.
Approximately 106,748 children in Rhode Island are eligible, with total benefits amounting to $12.8 million in federal funding.
Enrollment and Distribution of SUN Bucks
Some children will be enrolled automatically. Those ages 6–18 who are currently receiving SNAP, RI Works, or Medicaid (within income limits), or who live in a household where a child is receiving these benefits, will automatically receive SUN Bucks on their existing EBT card starting June 9.
In addition, families who submitted a school meal application or alternate income form to their school and were determined eligible for free or reduced-price meals will also automatically receive SUN Bucks, issued to a dedicated SUN Bucks EBT card.
Families who believe they are eligible but are not automatically enrolled can complete an online or paper application. To qualify, their child must attend an NSLP/SBP-participating school, and the household income must be at, or below, 185% of the federal poverty level.
Timeline for Benefits
– June 9, 2025: Benefits will be loaded to existing EBT cards for children in qualifying SNAP, RI Works, or Medicaid households.
– Refreshed benefits for 2025 will be issued to the card for returning families who received a SUN Bucks card last year.
– Should a family be interested in SunBucks this year but did not utilize the benefits last year, RI DHS encourages re-application through the RI DHS website.
– For newly eligible children, a SUN Bucks/EBT card will be mailed in advance of June 9.
SUN Bucks Application
Families not enrolled through the automated process may apply online or by submitting a paper application. Applications for the 2024–2025 school year are currently open and will remain available through the start of the next school year. However, application reviews and benefit issuance will begin only after the current school year ends, as SUN Bucks benefits are provided exclusively during the summer months.
For more information, including eligibility guidelines and access to application materials, visit theofficial SUN Bucks page on the RI DHS website: RI DHS website: https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/supplemental-nutrition-10.
“Today’s announcement marks an important continuation of the SUN Bucks food nutrition program,” said DHS Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito. “We know that a healthy and nutritious diet is key to the developmental success of our children. This program helps ensure access to these critical resources.”
“Year-round access to nutritious food is essential for a child’s growth and healthy development,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “SUN Bucks, a program designed to provide food assistance, ensures that families and children in need do not have to worry about hunger. This initiative allows them to access nutritious food that supports their development and learning, even during school breaks. We are proud to support Rhode Island families with this vital program.”
Families of children already receiving free or reduced-price meals are eligible to receive SUN Bucks benefits, to update addresses or to ensure SUN Bucks fill out the online application. Funds will be issued either to the household’s existing EBT card or to a dedicated SUN Bucks card mailed to the address on file with the child’s school. Each eligible child will receive a separate benefit.
Households that believe they are eligible but have not received the benefit are encouraged to apply using the online or paper SUN Bucks application. DHS has partnered with United Way’s 211 to provide support and answer questions about the program.
For more information, visit the official SUN Bucks page on the RI DHS website: https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/supplemental-nutrition-10.