SUN Bucks
Coverage of SUN Bucks in the Nexus archive.
- In Mississippi, Summer Can Increase Risk of Hunger for 3 in 4 Kids Who Rely on In-School Meals
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves declined to participate in the SUN Bucks program, which provides $120 per child for summer groceries, rejecting $38 million in federal funding. This decision leaves 320,000 children without summer meal support, as only 1 in 4 accessed in-person meal sites in 2023, exacerbating hunger risks for three-quarters of students reliant on school meals.
- A federal summer food program for families with children is back in season
The federal SUN Bucks program is returning for the third year, providing $120 per eligible child in the D.C. area to purchase food items like fruits, vegetables, and meat. An estimated 72,000 children will receive the benefit, with most automatically enrolled, though families are urged to verify their status through state-specific websites.
- Missouri plans food benefit restrictions, but grocers say details remain unclear
Missouri plans to restrict SNAP and SuN Bucks purchases of sugary and processed foods starting October 2025, affecting 300,000 families. Grocers seek clarity on implementation details, while the state faces reduced federal SNAP funding and a decline in participants. Governor Mike Kehoe's executive order aims to promote healthy eating through restrictions and partnerships with local farmers.