By this summer of 2026, more than 3.5 million children in California from low-income families will be automatically eligible for the SUN Bucks or Summer EBT program, which will be distributing up to $120 in food benefits in order to combat food insecurity.

In this regard, Governor Gavin Newsom commented that this program is vital to the fight against child food insecurity. "As the nation's agricultural leader, our state will not let our own children go hungry. This funding will help connect eligible families with access to nutritious food to keep children fed during the summer holidays and without access to free school meals," he said.

According to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), EBT cards have already begun to be sent to enrolled children automatically, so children who are not yet enrolled can submit their application before August 31 of this year.

Payments of up to $40 per month will be sent to families in June, July and August for a total of $120 per child, and according to the entity's rules, the money must be used within 122 days from the time it was deposited on the card, for the purchase of basic foods, since unused funds will expire within that period.

Jennifer Troia, director of CDSS, said that "since the program's launch in 2024, families and caregivers across the state have made more than $877 million in food purchases using SUN Bucks food benefits. We are happy to see this program continue into its third year providing essential meals to children during the summer months," she said.

California won't be the only state distributing financial aid to low-income families this summer; other entities, such as Alabama, Connecticut, Maine. Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, North Dakota, Virginia and Washington D.C. They will also send benefits to their eligible residents.