First round of SUN bucks starting in June, helping families keep food on table

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The first round of SUN Bucks benefits for summer 2026 is now available to help struggling families keep food on the table, reaching more than 1 million children with $121 million distributed statewide.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced that the first round of SUN Bucks benefits will be issued beginning June 1 for families automatically eligible through Food and Nutrition Services and other qualifying programs.

"Too many children are vulnerable to hunger in the summertime because they lose access to the free and reduced-price meals they depend on during the school year," Governor Josh Stein said. "SUN Bucks helps families keep food on the table during the summer, supporting children's health, development and readiness to return to school in the fall."

Eligible families will receive a one-time payment of $120 per child that can be used to buy nutritious food at retailers and farmers markets that accept EBT cards, including most grocery stores across the state.

Most eligible families were automatically enrolled and should have received notifications by email, text and phone.

Each family will receive a new 2026 SUN Bucks card preloaded with the full $120 per eligible child. Cards have been mailed and are expected to arrive by June 15, though delivery could take up to eight weeks.

Families who believe they may be eligible but were not automatically enrolled can still apply by visiting the NCDHHS site or taking the interactive quiz.

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Editor's Note: Featured media is from a previous report.