How to Get the Most Out of Your $120 Summer EBT Benefit

Summer EBT, sometimes called SUN Bucks, is a program that gives eligible families $120 per child to help pay for food during the summer. This benefit helps fill the gap when kids lose access to free breakfast and lunch at school. Families in Hawaii and U.S. territories receive a higher amount.

During the school year, about 30 million children eat breakfast and lunch at school every day. These meals follow strict nutrition guidelines and include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, and milk. When summer arrives, kids no longer have access to these healthy meals.

Why This Benefit Matters

Think of school cafeterias as the country's biggest restaurant chain. When summer starts, this "restaurant" closes for three months.

Studies show that during summer, kids eat fewer fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. They also tend to eat more fast food and drink more sugary beverages.

The $120 Summer EBT benefit gives families extra money to keep their kids eating well all summer long.

Smart Shopping Tips

1. Stock Up on Non-Perishable Foods First

Summer EBT is meant to add to your grocery budget, not replace it. To make the money last, spend part of your benefit early on foods that won't spoil quickly. When you have these basics on hand, your regular grocery trips will cost less. You can then use the rest of your benefit for fresh items like milk, eggs, produce, and meat.

Good staples to buy:

• Rice, pasta, flour, and oats
• Cereal
• Canned or dried beans
• Frozen fruits and vegetables
• Peanut butter and nuts
• Canned fish (like tuna)
• Cooking oil, sauces, and seasonings

2. Take Advantage of Summer Produce

Summer is one of the best times to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. More options are in season, and prices are usually lower.

Summer fruits: Watermelon, peaches, berries, and melons

Summer vegetables: Corn, tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, and salad greens

Tip: Don't stress about which fruits and vegetables are "healthiest." Just eat a variety of them. Try to "eat the rainbow" by choosing produce of different colors. Each color offers different nutrients.

Bonus: Some farmers markets and grocery stores offer programs like Double Up Food Bucks, which let you get twice the fruits and vegetables for your money. Visit doubleupamerica.org to find a location near you.

3. Choose Affordable Proteins

Eggs, beans, lentils, and peanut butter are budget-friendly protein sources that work for any meal.

Eggs:

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with toast and fruit
• Lunch: Egg salad with whole grain crackers
• Snack: Hard-boiled egg with carrots
• Dinner: Fried egg over pasta with vegetables

Beans and Lentils:

• Breakfast: Bean and egg tacos
• Lunch: Grain salad with beans and veggies
• Snack: Hummus with vegetables
• Dinner: Fried rice with edamame

Peanut Butter:

• Breakfast: Peanut butter smoothie with fruit and yogurt
• Lunch: Peanut butter and banana sandwich
• Snack: Celery with peanut butter and chocolate chips
• Dinner: Peanut butter noodles with broccoli

Meal Planning for Summer

During the school year, many families only plan dinner. Summer is different. You need to plan for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner every day.

Before you shop: Ask your kids what they've been eating at school and what they like. Their tastes may have changed, and this helps you avoid buying foods they won't eat.

Breakfast Ideas

Keep it simple. Here are some easy, balanced options:

• Eggs with toast and fruit
• Whole-grain cereal with milk and berries
• Yogurt with granola and sliced fruit
• Peanut butter on whole-grain toast with a smoothie

Lunch Ideas

Make it easy for kids to prepare their own lunch by keeping simple ingredients ready. You can even post a "menu" in the kitchen so older kids can make their own choices.

Easy lunches kids can make:

• PB&J with peach slices and milk
• Cheese quesadilla with cucumber and melon
• Cheese and crackers with a fruit smoothie
• Turkey roll-ups with carrots and hummus
• Tortilla chips with bean dip and salsa
• Cereal with milk and berries

Dinner Ideas

Start by using what you already have. Plan meals around foods that will spoil first, then buy what's on sale to fill in the gaps.

Easy summer dinners:

• Grilled chicken with corn on the cob, watermelon, and potato salad
• Kebabs with vegetables, served with couscous and a chickpea salad
• Breakfast for dinner: scrambled eggs with vegetables and toast

Tip: If you're having a frozen meal, add fruits and vegetables on the side to make it more balanced.
 

Smart Snacking

With kids home all day, snacks can quickly drain your budget. Snacking is normal and healthy, but the key is choosing snacks that keep kids full longer.

Think of snacks as mini meals. Include a mix of fiber, fat, and protein.

• Instead of a big bowl of pretzels, try apple slices with peanut butter
• Instead of a large bag of chips, try a small bag with a fruit and yogurt smoothie
• For frozen treats, offer frozen bananas, mango, or grapes instead of ice cream

Better Drink Choices

Avoid sodas and energy drinks. They're expensive and unhealthy. Many states don't allow sugary drinks to be purchased with SNAP or Summer EBT.

Better options:

• Water
• Milk
• 100% juice in small amounts (or mixed with sparkling water)

If your kids want lemonade or sweet tea, make it at home with half the sugar. Add fresh or frozen fruit for flavor.

Get Your Kids Involved

Summer is a great time to teach kids about cooking, budgeting, and meal planning. Research shows that kids who learn to cook are more likely to have healthy eating habits as adults.

Younger kids can:

• Help portion snacks for the week
• Make PB&J sandwiches to freeze
• Measure ingredients and follow simple recipes

Older kids can:

• Make tuna or chicken salad
• Bake muffins
• Start dinner before adults get home

If your child receives a Summer EBT card with their name on it, use it as a teaching moment. Walk through the food groups together and let them help pick healthy foods they'll actually eat.

Free Summer Meals Program

The USDA's SUN Meals program offers free breakfast and lunch to any child 18 and under during the summer. These meals are served at schools, libraries, and community centers across the country.

Key points:

• No application needed
• No proof of age required
• Just show up

These free meals are in addition to your Summer EBT benefits. In some rural areas, meals are delivered or available for pickup. Some sites offer a week's worth of meals at once. Contact your school or local SNAP office for details.

Final Thoughts

Summer EBT gives families extra resources to keep kids eating well when school meals aren't available. With some planning and smart shopping, you can make your $120 benefit stretch further and keep your family healthy all summer long.

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