‘SUN Program’ includes new grocery benefits, in-person dining and grab-and-go meals
Washington, May 21, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the launch of the SUN Program: USDA’s Summer Nutrition Program for Children, which aims to improve summer nutrition security. Through the SUN suite of programs, families can take advantage of new SUN Bucks, SUN Meals, and the previously launched SUN Meals To-Go to give their children and teens even more access to summer nutritional support. You now have options and convenience. Collectively, these programs continue the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to promote food and nutrition security.
“Nearly 30 million children participate in USDA’s school breakfast and lunch programs during the average school day, but when school is out, children lose access to those important meals.” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA’s His SUN program provides families with more options to easily get the essential nutrients their children need to grow, learn, and thrive well into the summer and beyond.”
sun buckswill provide $120 in grocery benefits per eligible school-age child this summer with its new, evidence-based Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program. Benefits are adjusted annually for inflation and are higher outside the lower 48 states. SUN Bucks helps families and parents increase their summer grocery budgets and purchase foods that best meet their family’s needs, cultural traditions, and preferences. Research shows that this type of summer food benefit reduces child hunger by 33% during the summer and improves eating habits by increasing consumption of whole grains, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables by children in participating households. will be done.
This first summer, many states, the District of Columbia, all U.S. territories, and some tribal nations are partnering with USDA to make SUN Bucks available in their areas. Approximately 21 million children are expected to benefit from SUN Bucks this summer.
In participating regions, SUN Bucks can be used at a variety of grocery stores and other food retailers to purchase other food products your family already receives, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women and Infants. Available in addition to stipend. , Children (WIC), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Families with eligible children who currently receive SNAP and other benefits will be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks. Others must apply annually.
In addition to the new grocery benefits, the SUN program will also provide nutritious meals and snacks to children 18 and under in local communities and high-poverty areas across the United States during the summer.
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SUN Meals Offered at schools, parks, community centers, and other nearby locations. This long-term, in-person summer meal program has been available to the community since 1968. Meals are often accompanied by enrichment activities to support children’s healthy growth and development.
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SUN Meals to gowill launch in 2023 and offer pick-up and delivery options when SUN Meals are not available and in some rural areas.
“We are encouraged by the bipartisan action in Congress to ensure no child goes hungry during the summer,” said Agriculture Department Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. “President Biden’s investments in high-quality, nutritious school meals will lead to healthier, brighter futures for children across America. We offer more ways than ever to support you.”
These nutrition programs are in line with the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases by 2030, set out at the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022. It advances national strategic objectives.
To help families access community services, USDA’s SUN program website (www.fns.usda.gov/summer) provides information on how to find a SUN meal site near you and whether SUN Meal To-Go is available. Directs visitors to local resources, including how to check. in their area. We will update the information during the summer vacation. USDA’s SUN program website also provides information about SUN Bucks and links visitors to states and jurisdictions offering the new grocery benefit. This site is also available in Spanish at www.fns.usda.gov/verano.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans in so many positive ways every day. In the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department of Agriculture will focus on more resilient local and regional food production, ensuring access to healthy, nutritious food in all communities, and leveraging the climate to help farmers We are transforming America’s food system by creating new markets and revenue streams for farmers and producers. Equity across the department by making historic investments in smart food and forestry practices, rural America’s infrastructure and clean energy capabilities, removing systemic barriers, and building a more representative American workforce. We are working to ensure that. For more information, please visit www.usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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