What is the Summer Meals Program?

School meals are the most essential school supply, keeping kids fed and ready to learn five days a week, all school year long. But what happens during the summer months, when school is out and kids can’t rely on the nutritious meals they typically eat at school? 

Enter summer meals programs, or SUN programs, the USDA’s answer to feeding students when school is out. SUN programs like free summer meals, to-go meals, and grocery benefits help kids get the nourishment they need to thrive even when school isn’t in session.

Read on to learn how SUN programs connect kids to summer meals all over the country—and how you can get involved. 

What is the USDA’s summer meals program? 

The USDA’s Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids, or SUN programs, is actually three different initiatives that work together to provide kids and families with nutritious food in the summertime. 

First is SUN Meals, a program that gives kids 18 and under meals and snacks in the summer—no application needed. Meals are completely free, and distributed and eaten onsite at places like schools, parks, and community centers. 

Then there’s SUN Meals To-Go, a program that also offers free meals, but in a grab-and-go, caregiver pick-up, or delivery format. SUN Meals To-Go are offered in rural areas where there are fewer convenient locations for onsite meal service. Again, no application is required. 

Finally, a newer benefit called SUN Bucks, or Summer EBT, provides families with funds to help buy nutritious food when school is out for the summer. Children whose families receive SNAP, TANF, or other income-based benefits are automatically enrolled to receive SUN Bucks, and families that don’t receive these benefits can also apply. Families receive $120 in benefits per eligible child to use at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other eligible retailers. 

How are summer meals funded? 

Summer meals programs are funded by the USDA and administered by a different agency in each state. These agencies reimburse the schools or other organizations that provide meals directly to kids. Onsite or to-go summer meals are provided at no charge to families.

Is my child eligible for summer meals? 

Any school-aged child can receive SUN Meals or SUN Meals To-Go, no application necessary and no questions asked.

To find your nearest SUN Meals location, use the USDA’s site finder tool and arrive at the listed time. (You may want to contact the site to confirm.) Finding a Meals To-Go location can be a little trickier, as these sites are not all listed on the USDA tool. You’ll need to contact the agency that administers summer meals in your state to find a location. 

SUN Bucks, or Summer EBT, is the only one of these programs you’ll need to apply for in advance. Visit summerebt.org to see if you qualify and to find links to the application. 

Is the summer meals program effective?

Yes! Research shows that offering grocery benefits to families through programs like SUN Bucks reduces hunger and boosts nutrition. 

Historically, only 1 in 6 kids who benefit from free or reduced-price school meals have been able to access summer meals. While there’s less data available about the impact of SUN Meals, the addition of SUN Meals To-Go means summer meals are reaching more kids than they ever have.

In the early days of the pandemic, offering (and in some cases delivering) free school meals to all kids, regardless of whether they were previously enrolled to receive those benefits, had a demonstrable impact on child nutrition. There’s reason to believe these programs do, too. 

How can I support continued funding for summer meals? 

Your lawmakers need to hear from you! Use this directory to find your legislators and encourage them to support, or continue supporting, summer meals programs. Advocacy for Summer EBT is especially important, as not every state is currently participating. Fill out an advocacy profile in your state and we’ll send you advocacy opportunities tailored to your location and preferences. 

Hungry for more? Visit foodcorps.org/signup to get our blog posts straight to your inbox.