HONOLULU (KHON2) -- This summer, the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Hawai‘i Department of Education (DOE) are launching the new SUN Bucks program to help families with school-aged keiki buy food.
The program began on July 5 and aims to support more than 100,000 children across the state of Hawaiʻi.
What is SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a program providing $177 per child for food purchases during the summer months. This is a permanent program designed to help families who struggle to provide healthy meals for their children when school is out.
"Families who rely on healthy school breakfast and lunch for their children often have a difficult time accessing healthy food during the summer,” said First Lady Jaime Kanani Green.
Who automatically qualifies?
Some children automatically qualify for SUN Bucks without needing to apply:
- Children in households that participated in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) from July 1, 2023, to Aug. 4, 2024.
- Foster children, or children identified by their school as homeless, migrant, or runaway.
- Children attending a school that offers the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and are approved for free or reduced-price school meals.
- Exceptions include Head Start and pre-K students in NSLP-participating programs.
Who needs to apply?
Other families need to apply for SUN Bucks if:
- Their children attend a school where all meals are free, but the family did not apply for or was not approved for free or reduced-price meals.
- Their children attend a school operating NSLP but were not approved for free or reduced-price meals during the school year and might now qualify based on household income.
How to apply?
Applications for SUN Bucks can be submitted online starting July 5, 2024, until August 4, 2024. To apply online, click here. For questions or help with the application, contact SUN Bucks Customer Service toll-free at 1-888-975-SEBT (7328).
How SUN Bucks work
Once approved, families will receive a SUN Bucks EBT card loaded with $177 per eligible child. Cards will be mailed starting July 16, and it may take 1-2 weeks for delivery.
The card can be used to purchase food at any store that accepts EBT benefits. "We thank the leadership of First Lady Green for her support of this vital program to feeding our keiki," said DHS Director Ryan Yamane.
Where can you use SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks can be used at any store that accepts EBT benefits to buy food. However, certain items are not allowed, including hot food, alcohol, cigarettes, gasoline, pet food, vitamins, and medicines.
For a complete list of eligible foods, click here. SUN Bucks can also be used with the Da Bux program, which helps stretch food dollars further.
Important tips for SUN Bucks users
- Keep track of your card: Make sure to follow the instructions that come with your SUN Bucks card and set up your PIN. If the card is lost, stolen, or damaged, call the FIS Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-328-4292 for a replacement.
- Update your information: Ensure your mailing address is up-to-date. If you think DHS might have incorrect information, contact SUN Bucks Customer Service at 1-888-975-SEBT (7328).
- Spend wisely: The benefits expire 122 days after they are issued, so be sure to use them within this timeframe.
Special situations
- Homeschool families: If your child is homeschooled and your family receives SNAP or TANF, or has a foster child, you are eligible for SUN Bucks. You will need to complete an application to designate the foster status.
- Split custody: The SUN Bucks card will be mailed to the address listed in the child’s school records. The card is meant to travel with the child between households.
Supporting healthy growth
The SUN Bucks program is a crucial step in ensuring that children in Hawai‘i have access to nutritious food during the summer.
"The Sun Bucks program provides meaningful action to tackle childhood hunger and to help our keiki to play, learn, grow and be healthy during the summer months,” said First Lady Jaime Kanani Green.
For more information or to apply, you can contact SUN Bucks Customer Service at 1-888-975-SEBT (7328).