A program between the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Food and Nutrition Services and the Department of Social Services has been announced for Students who receive free meals through the National School Lunch Program. This partnership may mean your child could be eligible for a onetime $120 grocery benefit per eligible school age child during the summer. Children can receive these benefits on top of other benefits such as SNAP and access to free summer meals from local sites. If your student currently receives SNAP/TANF and are directly certified this school year, his/her information has been submitted to receive the benefit. Families who currently do not receive these benefits may still be eligible due to Portageville School District being a Community Eligibility Provision School(CEP). Families may use the Missouri SuN Bucks Eligibility Navigator at https://mydss.mo.gov/sunbucks-eligibility to see if they are https://www.heathlytogether.co/onboarding/missouri-sun-bucks
The Summer EBT (SuN Bucks) Program Frequently Asked Questions is below. If you have questions, you may contact the Missouri Department of Social Services at 855-373-4636, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm or visit https://mydss.mo.gov/sunbucks for more information.
Regards,
Stefanie Dennison
Business Manger
Portageville School District families may be eligible for Missouri SuN Bucks (Summer EBT) benefits this summer. This program provides a one-time $120 grocery benefit per eligible school-age child to help families purchase food during the summer months. Many families will be automatically enrolled (such as those receiving SNAP/TANF or qualifying for free/reduced meals) and others may still qualify and need to apply. Application deadline is August 31, 2026. This benefit is in addition to other programs and helps ensure students continue to have access to nutritious food when school is not in session.
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 a one time $120 in grocery benefits per eligible student. Children in Portageville School District are automatically eligible if they participate in SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or are recognized as homeless, foster, or migrant. Families in Portageville School District not automatically eligible must apply by August 31, 2026, via the Missouri Family Support Division using the Missouri SuN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to check eligibility.
What is SuN Bucks?
Missouri SuN Bucks (also known as “Summer EBT”) is a federal nutrition program that provides $120 per eligible child to help families buy groceries during summer months when school meals are not available.
Key Facts:
Benefit Amount: $120 per child (one-time payment for summer)
Eligible Ages: School-age children
Operating Period: June 1 - August 31, 2026
How Delivered: Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card (like SNAP)
Where to Use: Any store that accepts EBT/SNAP
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
Who is Eligible?
Automatic Eligibility (No application needed)
Children who meet ANY of these criteria are automatically eligible:
Household receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Household receives Temporary Assistance (TANF)
Household receives MO HealthNet (MHN)
In foster care (ages 7-17)
Experiencing homelessness
In migrant programs
In Head Start or pre-K programs participating in school meals
Application-Required Eligibility
Families who do NOT meet automatic criteria but have income within program guidelines can apply online through August 31, 2026.
Important Details:
Benefits expire 122 days after issuance (use it or lose it!)
Families should KEEP the card for 2027 benefits
No effect on immigration status
Does not count as income for other benefits
How do I know if my child is eligible?
Use the Eligibility Navigator at https://mydss.mo.gov/SunBucks (takes 2 minutes) or call 855-373-4636. The school cannot determine eligibility.
Do I need to apply?
It depends. Most families who receive free or reduced-price meals get benefits automatically.
Check the Eligibility Navigator at mydss.mo.gov/SunBucks to find out.
When will I get my benefits?
Cards mail starting in June for automatically eligible families. If you apply, benefits are issued after approval. Call 855-373-4636 for specific timing.
I didn’t get my card. What should I do?
First, verify your mailing address is current. Then call DSS at 855-373-4636 to check on your card or request a replacement.
What if I have more questions?
Visit mydss.mo.gov/SunBucks, or call 855-373-4636 Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm The school cannot process applications or determine eligibility.