Families may be eligible to receive $120 per child through SUN Bucks, California’s summer nutrition program that helps families buy food while school is out. SUN Bucks can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets and other authorized retailers. Receiving SUN Bucks does not affect immigration status, and children who receive SUN Bucks can still participate in CalFresh and summer meal programs.
Some students will be automatically enrolled if they receive CalFresh, CalWORKs, or eligible Medi-Cal benefits, or if they are identified as foster, homeless, migrant or runaway. If your child is not automatically enrolled, you must apply to receive SUN Bucks — even if your child already receives free school meals.
In San Diego Unified, families can apply by completing the Universal Benefits Application through the PowerSchool Parent Portal by August 31, 2026.
Apply here: https://powerschool.sandi.net/public/
Watch a video tutorial: Submitting Sun Bucks - Parent Portal
SUN Bucks cards will begin arriving by mail as early as June 2026. Families should make sure their mailing address is up to date with their school and/or county social services office. Once funds are loaded, families have 122 days to use them before they expire.