SUN Bucks Empowers Tribal Families with Nutritious Summer Support

Ashton Leach and her family, residing in Peggs, Oklahoma within the Cherokee Nation, enjoy nutritious snacks like fruit bowls and smoothies, utilizing whatever fruits they have at home. This summer, they’re particularly relieved about affording fresh fruits, thanks to participating in the SUN Bucks program (Summer EBT), which provides $40 per child per month for groceries over three months. While Ashton acknowledges $40 isn’t a huge amount, it’s significant for their budget.

The SUN Bucks initiative is crucial for families like the Leachs in tribal areas, as it wasn’t adopted by some states, including Oklahoma, which instead saw tribal nations like the Cherokee and Chickasaw claiming and administering the federal funds. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. expressed surprise at the state’s rejection, emphasizing the program’s importance in alleviating food insecurity.

During the school year, many children rely on school meals, but summer poses a challenge with increased food insecurity. The USDA’s summer food service program historically reached only a fraction of those in need. Recognizing this gap, programs like SUN Bucks aim to bridge it by providing direct grocery benefits to eligible families, typically those also eligible for free or reduced-price school meals and SNAP.

Despite its proven effectiveness in reducing hunger and improving nutrition, political decisions affected SUN Bucks’ implementation. Thirteen states, citing various concerns from program administration to long-term solutions, opted out of the federal program, leaving many children without this additional support during the summer break.

Chief Hoskin highlighted that the SUN Bucks program not only supports nutrition but also empowers families by allowing them to make local choices with their benefits. The decision for tribal nations to administer the program reflects a commitment to addressing local needs and leveraging federal resources effectively.

For states that did opt in, challenges like funding delays and logistical hurdles have arisen, impacting when families receive assistance. Advocates stress the importance of resolving these issues promptly to ensure that vulnerable families receive the support they need during critical times.

While some states eventually accepted the federal funding after initial hesitations, others remained steadfast in their decisions, citing concerns over administrative costs and program sustainability. Advocates like Kelsey Boone from the Food Research and Action Center emphasize that ensuring widespread participation in programs like SUN Bucks is crucial to addressing childhood hunger comprehensively.

Despite these challenges, proponents of SUN Bucks remain hopeful that continued advocacy and improved program implementation will lead to broader participation in the future, ensuring that more children across the nation receive the nutritional support they need during the summer months.

While the SUN Bucks program represents a significant step towards combating childhood hunger, its implementation has been impacted by political and logistical challenges. However, its role in supporting families, particularly in tribal areas, underscores the importance of federal-state collaboration in addressing food insecurity effectively.