With the deadline of January 1 fast approaching, Florida has yet to decide whether it will participate in the 2025 SUN Bucks program. The initiative, formerly known as Summer EBT, could provide $259 million in federal funding to feed over 2.1 million children from low-income families during the summer months when school is not in session.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) must notify the USDA by January 1 if it intends to administer the program for 2025. If confirmed, a state implementation plan would be due by February 15, 2025.
According to the Florida Policy Institute (FPI), more than 1,000 letters have been sent to state legislators between November 27 and December 18, urging action on SUN Bucks. This program offers each eligible child $120 in grocery assistance over the summer and supplements other food assistance programs like SNAP and Summer BreakSpot. Despite efforts from Summer BreakSpot, only about 17% of eligible families have been reached due to transportation barriers and work schedules.
Florida policymakers did not opt for federal SUN Bucks dollars last year either. In contrast, states such as Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia participated in the program.
Sadaf Knight of FPI emphasized: “There is absolutely no reason for state policymakers to pass up SUN Bucks dollars... Florida children deserve to not be hungry in the summer too.”
Tiffany McCaskill Henderson from the American Heart Association warned: “If policymakers don’t take action... they are eating more whole grains, fruits and vegetables.”
Seth B. Bernstein of United Way of Palm Beach County stated: “United Way of Palm Beach County wholeheartedly supports... The health and well-being of our youngest population is at-risk without this being available.”
In May 2024, FPI along with other organizations urged state leaders through a letter to apply for a SUN Bucks program in 2025. The American Heart Association has also released data highlighting local eligibility and potential impacts if Florida opts into this program.