Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is urging eligible families to apply for the state’s SUN Bucks summer nutrition program before the August 31 deadline.
SUN Bucks provides a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible school-aged child during the summer, helping families purchase nutritious food when children are out of school and no longer receiving free or reduced-price school meals.
More than 628,000 Virginia children have already received SUN Bucks since the program launched in June. However, nearly 705,000 children are expected to be eligible statewide, meaning thousands of families may still qualify for assistance.
The benefit can be used to purchase groceries such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and meat at participating retailers, farmers markets and other businesses that accept SNAP EBT benefits. Families may also increase the value of eligible purchases through Virginia Fresh Match, which doubles SNAP spending on fruits and vegetables at participating locations.
Virginia is among the states participating in the federal Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program, also known as SUN Bucks. The Virginia Department of Social Services has introduced a new online application designed to make it easier for eligible households to access the benefit.
Families can apply online, submit a paper application by mail or contact the SUN Bucks Call Center for assistance. Applications for the 2026 summer benefit must be submitted by August 31.
The program comes as families continue to face pressure from rising food costs and changes to federal food assistance. Virginia officials say SUN Bucks and other summer nutrition programs are important tools for helping children maintain access to nutritious meals during school breaks.
State officials are encouraging eligible households that have not yet applied to check their eligibility and submit an application before the deadline.
