First Round of Summer 2025 Sun Bucks Benefits More Than One Million Children

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the first round of SUN Bucks benefits for summer 2025 has successfully reached more than one million children, with $121 million distributed to eligible families across the state. 

The funds, which come in the form of debit-like cards that provide a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child, can be used to purchase nutritious food at retailers and farmers markets that accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), including most major grocery stores in North Carolina. The SUN Bucks program is one of three NC Summer Nutrition (SUN) Programs for Kids, ensuring children have access to healthy meals during the summer months when school is out. This is a critical benefit for families as 1 in 6 North Carolina children live in households without consistent access to food.

"We are excited to have supported more than one million children and their families through the first round of SUN Bucks in 2025," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "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."

The first round of funds was distributed from May 9 to May 11. Eligible families who have received their SUN Bucks eligibility notice can expect their cards to be mailed separately. Card delivery may take up to eight weeks and cards may arrive before funds are loaded, which will begin on May 22.

SUN Bucks supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids, which offer free meals to children and teens up to age 18. Through SUN Meals, young people can enjoy meals and snacks while participating in fun fitness and educational activities during the summer at schools, parks and other local venues. In rural areas where access to SUN Meals may be limited, SUN Meals To-Go might be available for pickup or delivery. Families can find nearby summer meal locations and more details at SummerMeals4NCKids.org.

Eligible families who have not yet registered or applied for SUN Bucks benefits can still do so by visiting the SUN Bucks application page. Families with questions should visit the SUN Bucks website or call the NC SUN Bucks Call Center at 1-866-719-0141, select a language, then select option 2 to speak with a SUN Bucks representative.