Extra CalFresh Benefits: Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a major program to combat California’s child food insecurity. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is introducing SUN Bucks, a federal food program, to make sure that children from low-income households have access to enough food throughout the summer.
Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 in December 2022, which is what led to the creation of the SUN Bucks program.
This initiative is being launched at a time when fourteen states led by Republicans, who claim to support family welfare, have refused to fund programs of a similar nature.
“For kids who rely on school breakfast and lunch programs, summer break can be a stressful and challenging time,” Governor Gavin Newsom stated.
“Building on our ongoing efforts to support healthy food access for children year-round, I’m proud that California is partnering with the Biden-Harris Administration to provide SUN Bucks for our families so that no child faces hunger during the summer months.”
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Throughout the three-month summer break, when schools are normally closed, SUN Bucks will provide $120 per child or $40 per month. The purpose of this financial assistance is to lessen food insecurity and guarantee that kids will always have access to wholesome meals over the summer.
Kids who get CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal, or who can get free or low-cost school meals through a school meal application or an alternative income form, will be automatically signed up for the SUN Bucks program.
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California was one of the first states to start this new food assistance program. They did a great job of helping families in need right away.
Along with the SUN Bucks program, California has Summer Meal Programs that give kids who need them more meal options during the summer.
Families can use the CA Meals for Kids app or the Summer Meal Service Sites website to find summer meal sites near them.
