When school’s out, so are school meals.

But summer doesn’t have to leave families stressed over how to keep the fridge full.

SUN Programs are stepping in to ensure kids stay fueled all summer

These federally backed food assistance programs are built to close the gap left behind when school cafeterias close their doors.

Whether families live in a city neighborhood, a small town, or deep in a rural area, SUN offers real solutions—from free meal sites to grocery money that helps stretch every dollar.

Here’s how it all breaks down.

What Are the SUN Programs?

The SUN (Summer Nutrition) Programs come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

They’re designed to ensure that those 18 and under have nutritious food during the summer months.

There are three main ways this support shows up:

• SUN Meals: Free meals at schools, parks, and other local sites.
• SUN Meals To-Go: Meals packaged for pick-up or delivery in rural areas.
• SUN Bucks: Grocery funds loaded onto EBT cards for eligible families.

These programs are available in most states and are completely free to qualifying families.

Together, they help take the pressure off parents trying to figure out how to cover breakfast, lunch, and snacks with kids home full-time.

SUN Meals: Free Food at a Site Near You

SUN Meals are the most widely available part of the program.

They offer free breakfasts, lunches, or snacks served in person at designated spots in the community.

Think libraries, churches, schools, and local parks.

Families don’t need to apply, show ID, or prove income in most cases.

Kids just show up during the posted meal times and eat on site.

It’s that easy.

Some locations even pair the meals with summer activities like story time, games, or sports, giving kids more than just a full belly.

SUN Meals To-Go: Help for Rural Families

For families living far from town or without easy transportation, SUN Meals To-Go brings the help closer to home.

In eligible rural areas, parents can pick up multiple days’ worth of meals at once, or in some cases, get them delivered straight to the doorstep.

The meals are pre-packed and meet USDA nutrition standards.

Kids still get the same food quality, just with more flexibility.

Local agencies and schools usually handle the scheduling and distribution.

SUN Bucks: Grocery Money You Can Use at the Store

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, puts $120 per eligible child onto a debit-style card that families can use to buy groceries.

These funds help fill the fridge at home and stretch the food budget during the summer.

The card works at most grocery stores that accept EBT.

Families can use it to buy fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and more.

It can’t be used for hot food, alcohol, or non-food items.

Some families get SUN Bucks automatically, like those enrolled in free or reduced-price school meals, SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR.

Others might need to apply.

States manage their programs, so check your local agency’s website to see if SUN Bucks is offered and whether you qualify.

Who Qualifies for These Programs?

SUN Meals are open to all kids 18 and under at participating sites.

Most do not ask for any paperwork or proof of income.

SUN Meals To-Go is only available in rural areas without easy access to meal sites.

You’ll need to check with your state or local food program office to see if your area qualifies.

SUN Bucks depend on whether your state participates and your household’s income level or benefit status.

If your kids already get school meal benefits, there’s a good chance you’ll qualify automatically.

How to Find Summer Meals Near You

Help is easy to access, and there are several simple ways to get connected.

Texting services are also available in many areas for quick info right to your phone.

For those who prefer to speak with someone directly, hotlines are open for support in both English and Spanish.

Local school districts and community boards often share updates, too, so keep an eye out for signs, flyers, or announcements in your neighborhood.

Final Thoughts

These summer programs aren’t charity—they’re community tools built for real families dealing with real costs.

With inflation squeezing food prices and kids home more often, any extra help counts.

Whether families tap into a free lunch at a nearby park or receive funds for weekly groceries, these programs are here to help.

They’re easy to use, no shame attached, and they work together to support families where they are.

The school year might take a break, but a child’s need to eat doesn’t.

That’s where SUN Programs shine—making sure kids don’t go hungry while summer rolls on.

Free meals, flexible options, and grocery support make it easier for families to focus on fun, not food stress.

Check your local resources, stay in the loop, and spread the word. Every kid deserves a summer full of sunshine—and full bellies.