Summer Grocery Benefit for Kids
Virginia SUN Bucks helps eligible families with the cost of groceries during summer break when most schools are not in session. Each school-aged child that meets the program requirements receives a one-time payment of $120. Benefits will be issued either on a family's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card or a pre-loaded Virginia SUN Bucks card that looks just like a debit card.
The SUN Bucks benefit can be used to purchase groceries like fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and meat at grocery stores, farmers markets and other places that accept SNAP EBT benefits.
The good news is many families automatically qualify for Virginia SUN Bucks and will not need to apply to receive this benefit. If your family receives SNAP or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits or your child receives meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), your child automatically qualifies for SUN Bucks. Most children who get Medicaid are also automatically eligible for SUN Bucks because their income is under the eligible income level.
If you are unsure if your child is eligible, click on the Eligibility card below to find the Virginia SUN Bucks application and follow the instructions to complete it and mail it to the Virginia Department of Social Services. Virginia SUN Bucks 2025 will issue benefits beginning this summer to qualifying children. Check back with this webpage as information about the program is updated.
Eligibility
Most children eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks currently receive SNAP, TANF or Medicaid benefits, or meals at school through the National School Lunch Program. If your child is not enrolled in any of those programs, you can apply for Virginia SUN Bucks 2025 based on your income by completing, printing and mailing the application found on this page to:
Virginia Department of Social Services
5600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
The application will undergo a review process, and Virginia SUN Bucks will be issued starting this summer to qualifying children.
> Complete the Virginia SUN Bucks Application
For More Information
> Go the VDSS Virginia SUN Bucks page
> For more information go to USDA Food and Nutrition Service SUN Bucks page