As summer approaches and school cafeterias close, many local families face a challenge: keeping children consistently fed and nourished while school is out. For households that rely on school meal programs during the academic year, the loss of those daily breakfasts and lunches can create a significant gap.
California’s Summer EBT program, also known as SUN Bucks, is designed to help bridge that gap and ensure children continue to have access to healthy food during the summer months.
The program provides $120 per eligible school-aged child to help families cover grocery costs during the summer when school meals are unavailable. Funds can be used at grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers’ markets and other retailers that accept SNAP benefits (CalFresh). Families can purchase everyday staples such as milk, bread, fruits, vegetables and healthy snacks to support a balanced diet.
Kaiser Permanente is helping raise awareness about Summer EBT as part of its Food Is Medicine strategy, which focuses on the connection between nutrition and overall health. The initiative supports efforts to improve access to healthy food and connect families with programs such as CalFresh, WIC and Summer EBT.
“Food insecurity can increase during summer months when children don’t have access to free school meals,” said Elizabeth Trombley, community health senior director, Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Summer EBT gives families critical support to reduce hunger and provide access to healthy meal options.”
Many households will automatically receive benefits if they already participate in programs such as CalFresh, CalWORKs or Medi-Cal. Other families may qualify if their child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and the household meets income requirements for free or reduced-price meals.
For children, in particular, proper nutrition supports healthy growth, brain development and a strong immune system. When schedules change and meals may be less predictable, maintaining those routines is especially important.
Pediatrician Dr. Danielle Flowers with Kaiser Permanente Panorama City notes that missed meals can affect a child’s growth, learning, immune system and ability to focus. “Proper nutrition supports strong development and reduces long‑term risks like obesity and type 2 diabetes,” she said.
Health experts also note that a variety of healthy foods can help stabilize mood, improve focus and reduce long-term risks for conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Ensuring children have access to nutritious foods during the summer helps support lifelong health and well-being.
Families can check eligibility or learn more about the program by visiting https://www.summerebt.org/states/california.