The Louisiana Department of Health will begin issuing SUN Bucks starting Wednesday, May 27, through Tuesday, June 2, for Summer 2026.
The LDH says the program will provide $120 in grocery benefits to help ensure children who receive free or reduced-price school meals get the nutrition they need when schools are closed for summer break.
SUN Bucks will be added to the EBT cards of children who are automatically enrolled starting May 27.
They will continue to be issued as applications are approved and additional children become eligible through SNAP, Family Independence Temporary Assistance (FITAP), Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP), or income-based Medicaid.
Most eligible children will receive SUN Bucks automatically and do not need to apply. You do not need to apply if:
- Your child was born between Aug. 20, 2007, and July 1, 2020, and received SNAP, FITAP, KCSP, or income-based Medicaid benefits at any time between July 1, 2025, and Aug. 20, 2026.
- Your child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP), and was individually approved to receive free or reduced-price school meals.
You will need to apply for SUN Bucks if your child attends a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school where all students receive free meals, but your family did not complete an NSLP or SBP application.
Families who believe they may be eligible based on income should apply by Aug. 20 at louisiana.summerebtapp.com.
Homeschooled or virtual school students must receive SNAP, FITAP, KCSP, or income-based Medicaid to be eligible for SUN Bucks.
Children enrolled in SNAP will receive SUN Bucks on their existing SNAP EBT card. Families who received SUN Bucks in 2024 or 2025 will receive their child’s 2026 benefit on the same card. New participants not enrolled in SNAP will receive a preloaded EBT card by mail in a white envelope addressed to their child. Cards for eligible children in the same family may arrive separately.
SUN Bucks benefits must be used within 122 days of issuance. Any remaining balance after that time will expire and cannot be reissued.
For program details and answers to frequently asked questions, visit ldh.la.gov/page/sun-bucks or call the SUN Bucks helpline at 833-323-7482.
To request a replacement EBT card, call 888-997-1117, visit LifeInCheckEBT.com, use the LifeInCheck EBT app, or call the SUN Bucks helpline at 833-323-7482.
Families can find no-cost summer meal sites near them using the USDA SUN Programs site finder at fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder.
READ MORE:Louisiana Department of Health issuing SUN Bucks for Summer 2026
