Snap Update: SUN Bucks Benefits School Search Tool

Photo by Forysth County/Snap benefitsPhoto byForsyth County

The SUN Bucks Benefits School Search Tool is an invaluable resource for families in North Carolina, designed to help them determine their children’s eligibility for the SUN Bucks program. This program provides essential grocery-buying benefits to qualifying families with school-aged children during the summer months when schools are on break.

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a program funded by the USDA to ensure that children who rely on school meals during the academic year continue to have access to nutritious food during the summer.

How Does the School Search Tool Work?

The SUN Bucks Benefits School Search Tool is user-friendly. Parents can search for their child’s school by entering the school name, county, or zip code. The tool then indicates whether the school participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or is a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school.

Why is This Important?

Knowing whether a school is part of NSLP or CEP is crucial because it impacts a child’s eligibility for SUN Bucks. In case you don't know, children attending these schools are often automatically eligible for the benefits, to make sure they are receiving the necessary support without the hassle of completing additional applications. This process has been simplified to help applicants and caseworkers.

Steps to Use the Sun Bucks Tool

Visit the Search Tool: Access the tool on the NCDHHS website.

Enter School Information: Use the search bar to find your child’s school by name, county, or zip code.

Check Eligibility: The tool will display the school’s status, helping you understand if your child is automatically eligible or if further steps are needed.

This tool also provides links to flyers in English and Spanish, explaining the eligibility criteria and application process as part of the self-service assistance. This ensures that non-English speaking families can also access the information they need.

The SUN Bucks Benefits School Search Tool is a critical resource for families, simplifying the process of determining eligibility and ensuring that children continue to receive necessary meals during the summer. By making this information easily accessible, the tool supports the well-being of children across North Carolina.

For more information, visit the NCDHHS SUN Bucks page.