These days, more people are scrambling to afford basic necessities, and groceries just keep getting more expensive.
Now that summer break is beginning, the 20 million or so kids who rely on free or reduced-price school lunches will no longer receive them. In addition, as every parent knows, kids seem to be hungrier in the summer, so many parents are struggling to figure out how they’ll afford to feed their families for the next few months. We even wrote about how grocery prices are pushing families further into debt.
The good news: if you’re in need, there are resources available across the country.
Start With SUN Bucks
SUN Bucks is a federal program that provides nutrition benefits to families nationwide to ensure that children are fed during the summer months.
The program is similar to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often referred to as EBT or Food Stamps. Eligible recipients receive an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card in the mail, activate it similarly to any debit-style card, and use it to purchase food.
The amount is $120 per eligible child, and it’s a one-time deposit, instead of the monthly ongoing support of SNAP, and you may receive the card without even asking for it.
Most states in the U.S. are participating, with some schools automatically enrolling students who participate in the free lunch program. Your child also may be automatically enrolled if you currently receive SNAP or participate in certain other income-based programs.
If you think your family may be eligible and you have not received any notice about the program, you can check eligibility and submit an application via the USDA website. To apply, you’ll click your state. A pop-up will tell you if your state is participating and provide you with contact information.
Free Summer Meals Programs
The USDA currently has information on summer meals programs in 40 states. The implementation of these programs varies widely, so you’ll need to check the specific information for your area.
For instance, when I enter my zip code, a text box informs me that the school district runs our local program and utilizes the public library for distribution. Families show up at the library once a week, and each child is provided with a box of packaged food items, such as Uncrustables sandwiches, shelf-stable milk, and individually-portioned breakfast cereal.
Other programs offer meals for daily pick-up or prepared meals to eat on-site.
Locations may be at schools, churches, or YMCA locations. Meal pick-ups are offered at playgrounds, community colleges, or mobile home parks.
Some of these programs may require you to show ID or submit income information; others do not.
You can use the Summer Meals Sitefinder to check your zip code for programs.
Food Pantries
There are food banks across the United States that offer free food to families in need.
You may have to provide identification and/or demonstrate need. How this is done will vary — some programs will merely ask you to state your income level and household size, and others may ask for documentation.
Many food banks are currently running at a shortage due to federal funding cuts, so what they’re able to provide may not be at the same level as in previous summers. However, in many cases, donors have stepped up and are trying to help fill that gap; anyone with a genuine need should feel safe asking for help.
Feeding America maintains a directory of food banks and the pantries they stock, so you’ll enter your zip code and be redirected to the correct site for a food bank near you.
Another effect of funding cuts is that some of these are decreasing their operating hours, so be sure to check, as some may run on normal business hours, and others may be open only a few hours at a time, one or two days a week.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
In addition to the summer SUN Bucks program mentioned above, you may qualify for SNAP if you haven’t already applied.
The current gross income limit is $3,380 for a family of four, and the amount your family is eligible for can depend on income, family size, and expenses, among other factors.
While SNAP is a USDA program, it’s administered by each state individually, so you’ll apply either by heading to a local office or online through your state’s Health & Human Services or equivalent department.
To find that, you can go to the USDA’s SNAP state directory, and click on your state. You’ll get a list of links, including the website your state uses for SNAP applications, and a list of physical office locations.