In addition to the free summer meals for those 18 and younger at meal sites across Portland, eligible families may also receive SUN Bucks. SUN Bucks is a new federal program to help families access food for their children during the summer months. SUN Bucks provides families with a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible school-aged child to supplement the summer grocery budget until classes and regular school meals resume in the fall.

SUN Bucks can be used to buy groceries everywhere that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are accepted, including grocery stores and farmers markets, to purchase healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats and other protein sources, whole grains, and dairy.  Many families will get SUN Bucks automatically if you are getting other benefits, but some families may need to apply for the program. For more information, email: SUN-Bucks.DHHS@Maine.gov or go to the SUN Bucks page on our website.