Summer EBT “SUN Bucks” and Summer Meal Sites

Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) or SUN Bucks is a nutrition program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Illinois families will receive a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child to purchase groceries for their household. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will provide EBT benefits at the end of August or beginning of September 2024.

See the Summer EBT/SUN Bucks Fact Sheet in English or la EBT de verano/SUN Bucks Fact Sheet in Spanish to learn more.

Your school can help you with basic questions about Summer EBT. Households should visit the IDHS Summer EBT webpage for more information.

The Illinois State Board of Education also partners with the Illinois Hunger Coalition and No Kid Hungry to operate the Summer Food Service Program hotline and text service. To find summer meal sites:

• Call (800) 359-2163
• Text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304
• View the USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder or  Summer Meals Find Food Map to find nearby meal sites open to all children and youth ages 18 and younger