What Are SUN Bucks?

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), helps eligible families purchase groceries during the summer when school is closed.

For summer 2026, each eligible child receives $120 on a SUN Bucks EBT card. The card may be used like CalFresh at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other authorized retailers to purchase foods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, grains, and dairy products.

SUN Bucks cannot be used to purchase hot prepared foods, pet food, household supplies, personal hygiene products, or medicine.

2026 SUN Bucks Benefits

The deadline to apply for 2026 SUN Bucks was August 31, 2026.

Applications submitted after August 31, 2026, will be considered for 2027 SUN Bucks eligibility. Families should continue completing the Rosemead School District Universal Benefits Application when requested.

If Rosemead School District confirmed that your child was eligible for 2026 SUN Bucks but you have not received a card by September 2026, contact the SUN Bucks Helpline at 1-877-328-9677.

Who Is Automatically Eligible?

For most eligible children, enrollment in SUN Bucks is automatic. This process is called “streamlined certification.”

Children may be automatically eligible if:

• They are between 6 and 18 years old and receive CalFresh or CalWORKs.
• They receive Medi-Cal and their household income has been confirmed at or below 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
• They have been identified as foster, experiencing homelessness, or receiving migrant education services.
• They have already been approved for free or reduced-price meal eligibility through a Universal Benefits Application or school meal application.

Families whose children are automatically eligible do not need to submit another application to receive SUN Bucks.

Free School Meals Do Not Automatically Qualify a Student

All Rosemead School District students receive breakfast and lunch at no cost through California’s Universal Meals Program and the Community Eligibility Provision.

However, receiving free school meals does not automatically qualify every student for SUN Bucks.

If your child is not automatically eligible through a qualifying public assistance program or another eligibility category, your household must submit a Universal Benefits Application to be considered for SUN Bucks.

Universal Benefits Application

The Universal Benefits Application helps Rosemead School District determine whether a student qualifies for SUN Bucks and other benefits.

Applications received after August 31, 2026, will be considered for 2027 SUN Bucks eligibility.

Families may obtain and submit an online application OR through:

• Their child’s school office
• Rosemead School District Nutrition & Wellness
• 3907 Rosemead Boulevard, Rosemead, CA 91770

For application assistance, call 626-312-2900, extension 254.

Why Should Families Complete the Universal Benefits Application?

Even though all Rosemead School District students receive breakfast and lunch at no cost, completing the Universal Benefits Application remains important.

The application:

• Helps students qualify for SUN Bucks. Eligible children may receive grocery benefits during the summer when school is closed.
• Helps families access other benefits. Depending on available programs, eligibility may provide access to discounted internet, transportation, testing fees, college application fees, or other community services.
• Helps maximize funding for Rosemead schools. Application information may be used to calculate Local Control Funding Formula funding, including supplemental and concentration grant funding.
• Supports additional student services. Accurate eligibility information may help fund tutoring, academic intervention, counseling, technology, after-school programs, family engagement, and other student supports.
• Helps the District qualify for grants. Student eligibility information may be used to determine whether schools or the District qualify for additional state and community funding opportunities.
• Helps the District understand student needs. Complete information allows the District to plan services and direct resources to the students and schools that need them most.

Completing the application does not affect a student’s access to free breakfast and lunch. It also does not affect a family’s immigration status or count as a public charge.