Dear Parent/Guardian,
Families eligible by household income or direct certification to receive free or reduced‑price meals through the National School Lunch Program may qualify for Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (SEBT). This summer benefit provides $120 in grocery benefits per eligible student. If your student already receives free or reduced‑price meals this school year, their information will be submitted. Families not eligible during the 2025–2026 school year may use the Missouri SuN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to check eligibility.
Missouri has been approved to administer Summer EBT 2026. This program is a dedication and commitment between the lead agency, the Department of Social Services (DSS), along with DESE. Summer EBT provides Missouri children who are eligible for free and reduced-price school meals the opportunity to receive critical nutrition benefits.
Families with children who meet the criteria will receive an EBT card by mail, or the benefit will be added to their existing EBT card. Criteria for automatic eligibility includes:
- The household already participates in SNAP or Temporary Assistance, these students should automatically receive an EBT benefit without having to apply,
- The child is school age, participates in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, and is enrolled in grades Pre-K through 12th grade,
- The child is in foster care, homeless, a migrant,
- The child is enrolled in grades Pre-K through 12 at a school that offers meals through the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program, and the household meets income guidelines to qualify for free or reduced-price meals through the Program.
Families and other stakeholders with questions about the Missouri SuN Bucks Program should contact DSS directly. For additional information, resources, and frequently asked questions about the Missouri SuN Bucks program, please visit the DSS SuN Bucks webpage.
