Summer Feeding Program

About SUN meals and SUN bucks

Last year, Congress approved a new program for areas designated as rural by the USDA that would allow Summer Food Service Program sponsors to offer non-congregant meal service to children under 18 in approved areas. For these sites, children are not required to stay and eat. They may pick up their meals and take them home.

SUN Meals To-Go 

Approved families can come to approved SUN Meals To-Go sites to receive a box with seven breakfasts and seven lunches once a week from the foodbank while schools are closed for the Summer of 2024. 

• To qualify, families need to register with the food bank and be able to pick up their boxes at the designated times at their chosen distribution site. Click HERE to register.

  You are able to sign up through out the summer.

• Please follow this web page for up-to-date information on sites as we go through the summer.

SUN Bucks

Congress also approved permanent funding for Summer EBT, now called SUN Bucks. 

• Children who attend schools that participated in the National School Lunch Program may qualify to receive a total of $120 over the summer if they qualified for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program during the 2023- 2024 school year. 
• The Tennessee Department of Human Services will send a letter informing you that your child has been automatically approved by the end of May. Cards are supposed to be mailed on June 14th. 
• You may opt out of receiving a card described in that letter if you do not wish to participate. Each qualified child will receive a card in their name.
• SUN Bucks will be eligible for the double-up programs at your local farmer’s markets. 
• If you do not receive a card and believe your child qualifies, you must submit an application with TNDHS to get approved. For more information about this program click here. 

2024 Summer Feeding Distribution Locations

Find a location near you below!

Summer Feeding News

Summer EBT Application Deadline- August 15, 2024

Thursday, August 15, 2024, is the last day to apply for Summer EBT. Some families with eligible children must apply to receive benefits. Applications close soon. 

Families who need to apply:

• Child is between ages 6 and 17, attended a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school where every child receives free school meals, DOES NOT participate in SNAP, Families First, or TennCare, AND is income-eligible for free or reduced price school meals OR;
• Child is between ages 6 and 17, is income-eligible for free or reduced-price meals but did not enroll during the 2023-24 school year and DOES NOT receive SNAP, Families First, or TennCare OR;
• Child is older than 17 or younger than 6 years AND is eligible for free or reduced-price school meals or participates in SNAP, Families First, or TennCare. 

How to apply:

1. Visit the Parent Portal and submit a Summer EBT application
2. Apply over the phone: 833-772-TDHS (8347)

MY APPLICATION WAS DENIED, BUT MY CHILD QUALIFIES!

If your child is eligible based on the information above, but your application was denied, you can file an appeal. Starting next Thursday, August 15, 2024 you will be able to file an appeal in the Parent Portal. For more information about Summer EBT, visit the TJC Summer EBT page by clicking the button below.