MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama families with eligible school-aged children will receive $120 per child for summer groceries through a new federal program championed by the Biden-Harris administration, state officials announced this week.
The Alabama Department of Human Resources, in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education, will distribute the Alabama SUN Bucks benefits starting in June 2025. The program is part of a nationwide effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to combat child hunger during summer breaks, when children lose access to free or reduced-price school meals.
Children who are already enrolled in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid, or who attend schools participating in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and meet income guidelines, will automatically qualify for the benefit. Others may apply if they meet income requirements.
The Biden-Harris administration launched the SUN Bucks initiative in 2024 as a cornerstone of its broader strategy to reduce hunger and improve child nutrition. The program was established by federal legislation passed in December 2022.
“The summer break can be challenging for families when children are at home and spending increases because children and youth are not in school and receiving benefits,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner in a statement.
Eligible families will receive a pre-loaded card that can be used at authorized retailers to purchase groceries such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and bread. The benefit cannot be used for hot foods, pet food, cleaning supplies or personal hygiene items.
Customer service for Alabama SUN Bucks is available at 1-800-443-3536 or support@alabama-sunbucks.com.