This is the second year that Pennsylvania is participating in SUN Bucks—a program that gives eligible families $120 to help cover groceries during summer.

Around 18% of Pennsylvania’s kids live in food insecure households.

“A hungry kid can't learn during the school year,” said Dr. Carrie Rowe, acting secretary for Pennsylvania’s Department of Education.

During the school year, free breakfast and other programs help keep students fed.
Kids on summer break can lose stable food access.

That’s where federal programs like SUN Bucks come in. Last year, families of 1.25 million Pennsylvania kids were given $120 per child to use for groceries. Overall, the program distributed $143 million in 2024.

“The availability of nutritious, balanced foods outside of the home through these programs stretches resources further in the home,” said Julie Bancroft, CEO of Feeding Pennsylvania. The organization oversees 9 regional food banks in the state.

To determine eligibility for SUN Bucks, the Department of Education tracks which kids receive food assistance during the school year. They then pass that data to the Department of Human Services—who distributes the money automatically.

For families not enrolled in school food assistance, they can check their eligibility and fill out an application online. Applications close on August 31. Human Services estimates around 1.3 million kids can receive benefits this year.

“Every parent who's out there— that's feeling the squeeze of a summer without meals— this program, SUN bucks, says to you, you're not alone. We see you,” Rowe said.

Another federal food program for kids during the summer is Sun Meals. Community sponsors will go to a location and give free meals to any child under the age of 18. Many areas require the child to eat the food on site, however, some rural sponsors allow parents to pick up food or even deliver meals.

In families experiencing food insecurity, its common for parents to skip meals so their kids can eat; shielding them from hunger. Nutrition programs that give out meals for kids can free up resources for a mother or father to care for themselves.

A map of all active lunch sites in our viewing area is on the USDA website.

Bancroft says food banks, who regularly step up as SUN meal sponsors, have grown better at offering nutritious options for kids and adults.

"Our network distributes 237 million pounds [of food] each year, and about 30% of that is fresh fruits and vegetables,” Bancroft said.

As food banks help with programs like SUN Meals— networks are worried about the recent federal policy changes to SNAP. Work requirements and other eligibility changes are expected to push people off the program. 

Participation in SNAP increased significantly during the COVID-19 Pandemic era. In step with SNAP participation, food insecurity has increased 40% over the past two years in Pennsylvania. 

“If they can't access SNAP benefits, they're going to turn to food banks,” Bancroft said. "So that's going to create unprecedented demand on the food banks.”

For every one meal food banks serves, SNAP provides 9 meals to enrollees experiencing food insecurity.