Expanded Access for Families: Summer EBT Now Distribution in Southern California Regions
In the high-cost living region of Southern California, the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, also known as SUN Bucks, is making a significant difference for families in need. This initiative aims to ensure that school-age children continue to have access to nutritious food during summer breaks from school.
To be eligible for SUN Bucks, children must be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during the regular school year. This means that if your children receive free or reduced meals at school, they automatically qualify for SUN Bucks in the summer. Additionally, households that receive CalFresh, CalWORKS, or Medi-Cal benefits are also automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program if they have qualifying children.
Families that meet these criteria will receive $40 per eligible child per month, totaling up to $120 per child for the summer. The benefits are loaded onto an EBT card (either a separate SUN Bucks card or linked to your existing EBT card) and can be used to purchase groceries and basic food items at authorized retailers in California and other eligible states.
The Summer EBT program is not limited to grocery stores. Funds can also be used at convenience stores and farmers markets that accept SNAP benefits. Access to healthy food is essential for children to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally, and proper nutrition in childhood lays the foundation for lifelong health.
In addition to SUN Bucks, initiatives like Project Joy in Artesia are providing further support to families in need. Project Joy hosts an annual program to assist residents during the holiday season, offering food baskets to help make a whole holiday dinner at home and toys for children. Registration for Project Joy must be completed by Friday, Nov. 11.
It's worth noting that nearly 1 in 7 children in California are affected by food insecurity. To check eligibility and apply for SUN Bucks or other assistance programs, visit www.SummerEBT.org.
In an effort to further improve access to healthy food, the City of Commerce is considering the establishment of a farmer's market. The City Council had a late meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, to discuss various matters, including the farmer's market. The City of Artesia also hosts an annual program called Project Joy to assist residents in need during the holiday season, providing meal baskets to income-qualified families on a first come, first served basis.
In conclusion, the Summer EBT program is a valuable resource for low-income families in Southern California, providing $120 per eligible school-age child to help families buy groceries during the summer months. Initiatives like Project Joy and the potential establishment of farmers markets further support the goal of ensuring that all children have access to healthy food.
- The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, known as SUN Bucks, aids families in high-cost regions like Southern California by providing $120 per eligible child for groceries during summer breaks.
- In addition to SUN Bucks, community initiatives like Project Joy in Artesia offer support, such as food baskets and toys for children, during the holiday season.
- To supplement the access to healthy food, the City of Commerce is considering the establishment of a farmers market, with the City Council discussing the matter in a late meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2015.
- Similarly, the City of Artesia hosts an annual program called Project Joy, aimed at providing meal baskets to income-qualified families during the holiday season.
- Addressing food insecurity is crucial; nearly 1 in 7 children in California face food insecurity and can check eligibility for SUN Bucks, along with other assistance programs, at www.SummerEBT.org.
