Washington, DC has officially launched the DC SUN Bucks program. This initiative aims to extend a lifeline to struggling families, providing a $120 one-time benefit for food purchases when schools are on break. According to the Department of Human Services, the program is slated to support around 80,000 students living under the constraint of economic hardship across the nation’s capital.
To qualify, DC children must hail from households with an income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. For instance, a family trio earning up to $45,991 annually, or $3,833 per month, will be eligible to receive this benefit automatically. Similarly, a family of four with an income not exceeding $55,500 annually, or $4,625 monthly, will also qualify. Noteworthy to mention, students already benefitting from SNAP or TANF will not be required to separately apply, their eligibility for SUN Bucks being a preapproved certainty. However, those beyond this bracket must proactively submit an online application.
Dr. Christina Grant, State Superintendent, emphasized the crucial link between nutrition and academic performance, stating, “As educators, we know that healthy bodies and minds even during summer break are the foundation of academic success. We also know that learners can’t focus on academics when they’re hungry and one of their most vital needs – nutritious meals – goes unmet,”
The USDA has found itself a partner in this endeavor, funneling close to $10 million into this program, whilst Mayor Bowser’s endorsement has further entrenched the initiative with a $1.6 million commitment to cover local administrative costs. Food access is also set to witness a local economic stimulus, with dollars from the program naturally flowing to vendors like farmers' markets and grocery stores. Laura Green Zeilinger, Director of the Department of Human Services, poured praise on the program, “We are thrilled that the District will be able to offer SUN Bucks to families this summer,” thereby underlining its potential to catalyze food security amidst out-of-school periods.
The framework to access these benefits comes via a newly designed Electronic Benefit Transaction (EBT) card, permissible for food purchases at all authorized SNAP retailers. Leverage of these benefits can be enjoyed for a prolonged window of four months post-issuance. Food Policy Director, Caroline Howe, reinforced the program’s core objective: “SUN Bucks is a key part of supporting families to thrive during the summer.”
