Summer Meals Make Healthy, Happy Students in the District of Columbia

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Summer Meals Make Healthy, Happy Students in the District of Columbia

By LaMonika Jones, D.C. Hunger Solutions Director and Maryland Hunger Solutions Interim Director

July 17, 2024

Summer is finally here, bringing with it long days, warm sunshine, and a break from the school routine. As students and their families transition from the structured schedules of the school year to the relaxed vibe of summer, our meal planning needs to adapt too.

SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)

This summer is the inaugural year of SUN Bucks, or Summer EBT. For students attending District of Columbia Public Schools, Public Charter Schools, and private schools in the National School Lunch Program, families will receive a $120 grocery benefit. The goal of the summer benefit amount is to support families with purchasing additional food for meals while school is out for the summer.

The Summer EBT Program started as a demonstration project testing the impact of summer nutrition benefits. Recognizing hunger does not take a break during the summer months and the need for ongoing solutions to address childhood hunger, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service piloted Summer EBT in 2011 by providing debit cards to over 12,000 households to purchase groceries.

Following the success of the demonstration project and in response to the pandemic’s ongoing impacts, SUN Bucks was made permanent in December 2022. Here in D.C., an estimated 80,000 students will begin receiving their benefits starting late June resulting in about $9.6 million in benefits allocated to families.

Data continues to prove that, in addition to its impact on hunger, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) generates substantial local economic activity. With the implementation of SUN Bucks, the District of Columbia could expect an economic impact of $14.4 million to $17.3 million from Summer EBT benefits.

DC Youth Meals Program

As we celebrate the launch of a permanent Summer EBT benefit, we recognize the importance of maximizing access to programs and initiatives that address childhood hunger. The DC Youth Meals Program (federally known as the Summer Food Service Program) has a longstanding history of providing breakfast, lunch, and supper meals at no cost to children 18 years and younger throughout the District. Since 2012, DC Youth Meals Program has served more than 6.6 million meals to children across the District. Students can consume a meal at many meal sites, including faith-based organizations, summer camps, and nonprofit community-based organizations. The program continues to make sure students have access to high-quality nutritious meals while school is out.

Summer meals and incentive programs offer a chance to get creative, enjoy fresh seasonal produce, and keep everyone energized and happy. With the launch of SUN Bucks, combined with ongoing access to the DC Youth Meals Program, parents do not have to worry about their child accessing meals during the summer.

For more information on Sun Bucks, please visit sunbucks.dc.gov. To learn more about the DC Youth Meals Program or to find a summer meals site near you, visit https://osse.dc.gov/dcyouthmeals.

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