State launches SUN Bucks to improve food access for kids

The New Mexico Health Care Authority has unveiled SUN Bucks, a new grocery benefits program designed to help families during the summer months.

“Summer should be a time of joy and growth for our children, not a time of worry about where their next meal will come from,” said Kari Armijo, cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “SUN Bucks will help bridge the gap, ensuring families have the resources to keep their kids healthy and thriving.”

SUN Bucks provides $120 per eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out, ensuring children have access to nutritious food even when they are not receiving free or reduced-price meals at school. Most families will receive these benefits automatically, while some parents or guardians will need to apply.

HCA estimates that about 275,000 K-12 students will benefit from this new program. In addition to free meals available at summer meal sites, the SUN Bucks program aims to support families by stretching their grocery budgets during these months.

SUN Bucks benefits will be issued to school-aged children ages 5-18 who were active on SNAP (food assistance), TANF (cash assistance), and most types of Children’s Medicaid from July 1, 2023, to Aug. 1, 2024.

New SUN Bucks cards will be mailed Aug. 5, and children will receive a payment of $120 per child.

If you do not receive your SUN Bucks card by Aug. 30, visit summerebtnm.org for more information on eligibility requirements. For families who need to apply, the SUN Bucks application deadline is Aug. 15.

“Our goal is to ensure that every child in New Mexico has access to the nutrition they need to succeed, both in and out of school,” said Arsenio Romero, cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Public Education Department. “The SUN Bucks program is critical in supporting our families and communities throughout New Mexico.”

Who qualifies automatically?

Your student may be automatically eligible for SUN Bucks if:

• They have received free or reduced meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).

• Their school reports them as homeless, a migrant or in foster care.

• They received SNAP, Medicaid or TANF anytime during the school year.

If your child is automatically eligible, you will receive a notice in the mail informing you of their eligibility and no further action is required.

What to do if your student does not automatically qualify

You can apply for SUN Bucks if:

• Your student attends an NSLP/SBP participating school.

• There is no approved NSLP/SBP application on file with the school.

• Your household income is less than 185% of the federal poverty limit.

• You reside in the state of New Mexico.