Many Virginia families eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks program to purchase groceries

Some Virginia families are now eligible for additional funds to help purchase groceries with the help of a new program from the Virginia Department of Social Services and U.S Department of Agriculture.

The Virginia SUN Bucks program offers eligible families one-time payments of $120 per child to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and meat at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other places that accept SNAP benefits.

The program is available to families with household incomes that are at or below the maximum income limits for their household size. Families of two with an annual household income of less than $37,814 may be eligible, for example. The likely threshold for families of four is $57,720.

Many families automatically qualify for Virginia SUN Bucks and will not need to take any steps to receive this new benefit. Most children eligible to receive Virginia SUN Bucks benefits will receive them automatically without having to fill out an application, according to the agency.

Households that currently receive SNAP, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or income-eligible Medicaid benefits do not need to apply, nor do children who applied for and received free or reduced-price meals at school through the National School Lunch Program. Children at schools that provide free meals to all students without applying may still need to apply to receive Virginia SUN Bucks payments, however.

The Virginia Department of Social Services estimates that about 650,000 children qualify for the program without having to apply.

Families who qualify for the program can apply by visiting the Virginia SUN Bucks website or by calling 866-513-1414. Applications are due by Aug. 30.

For details, click here.