USDA SUN Summer Programs in 2025: Supporting Kids and Families with Free Meals and Grocery Assistance

Mikhail Nguyen
Published Oct 24, 2025


The USDA’s SUN Summer Programs offer valuable resources to ensure children stay nourished and healthy during the summer months when school meal programs are unavailable. 

These initiatives are designed to help families across the country access food in a simple and convenient way, without the need for complicated applications. Here’s a breakdown of what the programs have to offer:
 

SUN Meals


The SUN Meals program provides free meals and snacks to all children aged 18 and under. 

These meals are available at local schools, parks, and other eligible locations within communities. 

The best part? There’s no application required—just visit a participating site and receive a meal at no cost.

Learn more about it here!
 

SUN Meals To-Go


For families living in certain rural areas, the SUN Meals To-Go program helps by offering meals for pickup or delivery to eligible children. 

This flexible option is especially helpful for families who may not be able to easily access the in-person meal sites.

Find out more here.
 

SUN Bucks


A new addition to the summer program lineup is SUN Bucks, a grocery benefit that provides $120 per eligible child for food purchases. 

This allows families to buy groceries they need during the summer months, giving them a greater sense of flexibility and independence. 

Availability for SUN Bucks depends on your specific location, so it’s important to check if this benefit is offered in your area.

Check out more about it here.

These programs reflect the USDA’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to nutritious food year-round, regardless of their circumstances.

To find meal sites near you or learn more about these initiatives, visit the USDA’s website or reach out to community organizations for support.

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