USDA launches summer nutrition programs to improve healthy eating for millions of kids

22 May 2024 --- The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveils its SUN Programs: USDA’s Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids, which aim to improve food and nutrition security during the summer. The programs include grocery benefits and nutritious meal and snack services, providing families with more choices and convenient ways to get summer nutrition support for their children under 18.

“Nearly 30 million children participate in USDA’s school breakfast and lunch programs on an average school day, but when school is out, kids lose access to those vital meals,” says Tom Vilsack, US secretary of agriculture. “USDA’s SUN Programs offer more options for families to conveniently access the essential nutrition children need to thrive, learn and grow during summer and beyond.”

The programs include SUN Bucks (providing grocery benefits), SUN Meals and SUN Meals To-Go. 

Benefiting 21 million kids 
SUN Bucks, the evidence-based Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer, will provide US$120 per eligible school-aged child over the summer. The value will be adjusted annually for inflation. The USDA estimates that SUN Bucks will benefit about 21 million children. 

Through the program, families and caregivers can expand their grocery budget to buy foods that best fit their family’s needs, cultural traditions and preferences. This summer, various states, including the District of Columbia, all US territories, and some tribal nations, will partner with the USDA to make SUN Bucks available in their communities. 

The USDA notes that research indicates such summer grocery benefits “can reduce child hunger in the summer by 33%.” Moreover, it would improve eating patterns by increasing whole grain, dairy, fruit and vegetable consumption by kids in participating households. 

SUN Programs will help children’s access to essential nutrition when they are on their summer break.SUN Bucks can be used in various grocery stores and food retailers. They are additional to other food benefits that families may already receive, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. 

Families with eligible children receiving SNAP and other benefits will automatically be enrolled in SUN Bucks, while other families must apply each year. 

Providing healthy meals 
The programs will also provide nutritious meal and snack services to kids under 18 in communities and among populations with high poverty rates throughout the US. 

SUN Meals will be served at schools, parks, community centers and other neighborhood locations. The USDA notes that this in-person summer meals program has been available in communities since 1968. The meals are often combined with enrichment activities to support kids’ healthy growth and development. 

SUN Meals To-Go was launched in 2023. It offers pick-up and delivery options in rural areas where SUN Meals are not available. 

Earlier this year, the USDA enhanced the WIC nutrition security program for mothers and young children. The Food Research and Action Center applauded these changes, noting that the revisions are important in improving access to nutrition and fostering health equity for the program’s close to 7 million participants. 

Moreover, the governmental entity announced new nutrition standards for school meals to promote children’s health and well-being. These aim to gradually reduce sugar levels and improve flexibility at schools that provide these meals. 

Edited by Jolanda van Hal