NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — Summer is all about fun in the sun, but when you’re strapped for cash, having fun or even just functioning day-to-day on a budget can be difficult.

But North Dakota Health and Human Services is looking to make sure every family has the opportunity to enjoy what’s left of the summer and have the tools to prepare for the school season through the SUN Bucks Program. And you only have until August 30 to apply.

Part of a partnership with Health and Human Services, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, and the USDA, SUN Bucks, or Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program, provides families with school-age children food assistance.

This benefit comes in the form of a $120 allowance per eligible child, and families will receive a Summer EBT card loaded with SUN Bucks.

These benefits only last for 122 days from when the card is filled and can’t be replaced if they aren’t used within that time span.

However, there are particular requirements families need to meet, including a certain income from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and if household children don’t receive free school meals, especially if they attend a Community Eligibility Provision school.

And families in the community believe this program is needed given how expensive basic necessities have become.

“We have children and their grocery bill. I would hate to go with them when they check out. Just because things have sky-rocketed in the last two years,” said North Dakota native Priscilla Shott.

To apply, fill out an Alternate Meals Application. However, there are certain families that are automatically entered into the SUN Bucks program.

To learn more about who does and doesn’t need to fill out an application visit Health and Human Services’ website here .

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