SUNbucks gives $120 extra per child to SNAP clients; Meijer offers milk discount

(WKBN) – Families receiving SNAP benefits in Ohio will get $120 more per child for the summer months. And to help make that money go further, Meijer is dropping the price of milk for SNAP clients.

The extra money is coming through SNAP with the SUNbucks program. It’s new in summer 2024 and provides more benefits for families with children who qualify. It’s to fill the gap between the nutrition kids get at school when classes are out for the summer.

Families will receive a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).

SunBUCKS should be received by July 31 and added to current Ohio One Direction cards.

Many families will get the benefit automatically if they are getting other benefits, but some will need to apply.

If your household already participates in SNAP, OWF, or if income-eligible and receiving Medicaid benefits, your child will automatically be enrolled to receive summer benefits. You do not need to fill out an application or take any further action.

Households who have been approved for free/reduced meal benefits at their school will be submitted to automatically receive the summer benefit with no further action.

If you believe you are eligible for the benefits and have not been enrolled automatically, ODJFS says you should fill out a school meal application to your school food service department as soon as possible.

When applying, you will be asked to provide your child’s name, school, date of birth, address, and some additional details. You will also be asked to report your household’s income. You will not need to provide any other documents or information including social security number, proof of citizenship, or pay stubs to apply.

In addition, Meijer announced Monday that it is reducing the price of any brand of 1% or fat-free milk by 40%. The price discount is courtesy of a grant awarded by Auburn Univeristy’s Hunger Solutions Institute.

In addition to the expanded milk discounts, Meijer continues to offer a 10% discount on SNAP purchases of qualifying produce, and free Home Delivery for SNAP customers.

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