BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — As children across Kern County begin summer break, some families may be eligible for additional grocery assistance through California’s Summer EBT program, also known as SUN Bucks.
The federal program provides a one-time $120 benefit for each eligible child to help families purchase groceries while school is out for the summer.
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS – JANUARY 22: A full shopping cart is seen at Walmart on January 22, 2026 in Little Rock, Arkansas. A massive winter storm is expected to bring frigid temperatures, ice, and snow to millions of Americans across the nation. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
SUN Bucks was launched nationwide in 2024 to help children who may lose access to school meals during the summer months.
What is SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks is a summer grocery benefit available to eligible children and families.
The money can be used to purchase groceries but cannot be used for hot prepared foods, pet food, household products, personal hygiene items or medications.
A customer shops at Handy Market on May 14, 2026, in Burbank, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Many eligible children are automatically enrolled through qualifying assistance programs, while others may need to apply through their school.
According to the California Department of Social Services, children ages 6 to 18 who receive CalFresh or CalWORKs are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks. Some children receiving Medi-Cal may also qualify automatically.
Children ages 0 to 22 who attend a school participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program may also be eligible if they meet income requirements and submit a School Meal Application or Universal Benefits Application through their school.
The deadline to apply for the 2026 SUN Bucks program is August 31, 2026.
Why nutrition matters during the summer
Dr. Ebrahim Oomerjee, a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente Kern, says proper nutrition remains critical during the summer months, especially when children are no longer receiving meals at school.
“Food is medicine,” Dr. Oomerjee said. “What we eat determines how we feel, what we eat determines how children develop, what we eat determines how your immune system works, and it’s just so important that we get good quality food, especially at these stages where the children are growing, and their brains are developing.”
FILE PHOTO — School lunches. (KUTV)
Dr. Oomerjee says many families may not realize their children already qualify for the program.
“There’s a lot of people who are eligible for it that don’t know that they are,” he said.
He encouraged families to visit the SUN Bucks website and check whether their children qualify.
Food insecurity can have long-term impacts
Dr. Oomerjee says food insecurity can affect much more than a child’s immediate hunger.
“We know children who are food insecure can have higher rates of obesity, can have rates of mental health issues, and a lot of other problems that come down the road,” Dr. Oomerjee said.
He said one common misconception is assuming children are receiving proper nutrition simply because they appear healthy.
“The common misconception is, you know, if a child doesn’t look malnourished, they’re not hungry, or they’re being fed well, which is not true,” Dr. Oomerjee said. “The quality of food plays a huge role in that child’s development.”
According to Dr. Oomerjee, healthy eating can have lasting effects on a child’s physical and mental health.
“What you put in your body directly influences your health, your mental health, your physical health, and, you know, we see a lot of kids with behavioral issues. We see a lot of kids with physical health issues, and a lot of these issues can be mitigated or prevented by a good quality diet.”
Tips for healthier eating
When it comes to improving children’s diets, Dr. Oomerjee recommends focusing on reducing processed foods and increasing whole foods whenever possible.
“My big picture is, at the end of the day, how much processed food did the child eat versus how much unprocessed food did the child eat?” he said.
Fresh tomatoes are displayed on a shelf at Bob’s Market on April 15, 2026 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
He encourages families to choose foods that come directly from plants and to prioritize fiber-rich foods.
“At the end of day, say that I had, or my child had more unprocessed food, that’s a win,” Dr. Oomerjee said.
“I would suggest or strongly recommend high fiber diets. I think protein is important, but I think fiber gets lost in all this, and I think fiber is just as important.”
Resources for families who do not qualify
Families whose children do not qualify for SUN Bucks may still have other options available this summer.
According to the California Department of Social Services, families who believe they may qualify for CalFresh, CalWORKs, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or Medi-Cal are encouraged to apply for those programs. If approved, a child may become eligible for SUN Bucks benefits.
FILE – A customer shops in a grocery store on March 11, 2026, in Miami. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Dr. Oomerjee also recommends families explore other assistance programs.
“There’s obviously the SNAP program,” he said. “There’s also WIC which can cover children up to five.”
He acknowledges some families may feel intimidated by the application process but encourages them to explore what resources may be available.
“I don’t think it’s that hard,” Dr. Oomerjee said. “I think families should try and see what they are criteria for, and what they can get.”
The state also points families to additional summer food programs, including:
SUN Meals
SUN Meals provides free meals and snacks for children and teens during the summer months when school is out.
SUN Meals To Go
SUN Meals To Go provides free meals for children and teens living in rural communities. Depending on the location, meals may be available for pickup or delivery.
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Families can learn more about SUN Meals and find participating meal sites through the USDA Summer Food Service Program.
For more information about SUN Bucks, eligibility requirements or how to apply, visit the California Department of Social Services SUN Bucks website.