LOUISIANA SETS HIGHER EXPECTATIONS, INCREASES VALUE OF CAREER AND COLLEGE READINESS WITH REVISED ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM

Summer is almost here and that means longer days, fun in the sun, and best of all for kids, no homework! For some Louisiana students receiving free or reduced-price school lunches, summer also means the loss of nutritious school meals. In addition to the newly expanded summer feeding options, SUN Bucks help fill that gap by providing grocery benefits to help families put meals on the table when schools are closed. WHAT ARE SUN BUCKS? Starting in summer 2024, Louisiana SUN Bucks, also referred to as Summer EBT, will provide families with $120 for each eligible school-aged child (5 to 18 years old) to buy groceries during the summer break. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SUN BUCKS? Most eligible families will get SUN Bucks automatically, but some parents will need to apply. The following children are eligible to receive SUN Bucks summer benefits and will be automatically enrolled in the program. There is no need to apply.  Children whose families received SNAP , Family Independence Temporary Assistance (FITAP), or Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) benefits during the 2023-24 school year. Children receiving Medicaid (with household income below 185% of the federal poverty level). Children who applied and were individually approved to receive free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). These children may be eligible to receive SUN Bucks but must apply to determine eligibility: Children experiencing homelessness. Migrant children. Children who receive free or reduced-price lunch, but did not complete an application. Even if your family doesn’t fall into one of the categories listed above, your child may still be eligible for SUN Bucks based on your family’s income. HOW ARE SUN BUCKS ISSUED? The SUN Bucks program will be rolled out in three phases beginning in late June 2024. Phase 1: Launching in June 2024! Children who received SNAP benefits during the 2023-2024 school year are eligible for streamlined certification and will be automatically enrolled. SUN Bucks benefits will be added to their existing SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card beginning in the second half of June 2024. Visit DCFS website for more information and updates on phase 2 and phase 3 roll outs.