COLUMBUS  – The Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (S-EBT), also known as SUN Bucks, could help the families of an estimated 840,000 Ohio students afford more groceries while school is out this summer. This new program, which represents the first new permanent federal nutrition assistance program in over 50 years, will help families close the hunger gap when children are on summer break from the school year without access to traditional school meals. Many families will be automatically enrolled and receive $120 per eligible child on their existing Ohio Direction Card or on a new card that will come in the mail. Some eligible families will still need to apply.

“This new, permanent program builds on the success of the Pandemic EBT program and other pilot programs,” said Ohio Association of Foodbanks Executive Director Joree Novotny. “We know that child and family food insecurity increase in the summer months when school meals are unavailable and other costs for child-care, utilities, and more go up. This benefit will help families stretch their food buying budgets further.”

S-EBT will provide a one-time, $120 payment per eligible Ohio student that can be used to purchase groceries.

The funds can be combined with other nutrition programs, including summer meal sites and local food pantries.

“Strong family-school partnerships are critical to student success. These partnerships positively impact a child’s academic achievement, health, and well-being,” said Stephen D. Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. “Through Sun Bucks, eligible families receive additional funds, ensuring children remain active, nourished, and ready to learn every day throughout the year.”

Who’s Eligible for SUN Bucks?

Eligible children in the following categories will receive SUN Bucks automatically and will not need to fill out an application:

∫ Children whose families received SNAP or OWF benefits

∫ Children receiving Medicaid that meet the free & reduced-price (F/RP) lunch threshold during the 2023-2024 school year

∫ Children who applied and were individually approved to receive free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) during the 2023-2024 school year

Additionally, students in the following categories may be eligible to receive SUN Bucks but will need to apply:

∫ Children experiencing homelessness

∫ Migrant children

∫ Children who receive free or reduced-price school meals but did not complete a National School Lunch Program application (for example, if the child attends a Community Eligibility Provision school where all students are provided free or reduced-price meals without applying)

∫ Children in families earning less than 185% of the federal poverty line based on their monthly income that aren’t currently connected to other public benefits

How To Apply

For families who need to apply, please visit sebt.ohio.gov

What Should Families Know to Be Ready?

SUN Bucks will be added to existing Ohio Direction Cards or mailed on a new card to eligible children. Families should ensure their address is up to date on their SNAP, OWF, and/or Medicaid case, and with their child’s school.

Any child who is automatically approved to receive the S-EBT benefit will receive it by July 31. Families who believe they should have automatically received the Summer EBT benefit but did not receive it by July 31 should submit an application or contact ODJFS at 1-866-244-0071. 

To check eligibility or for more information, visit OhioSummerEBT.org.