As school meal programs pause for summer, several free summer meals programs in Minnesota help ensure children stay nourished. Families can access resources like SUN Bucks, Summer Eats Minnesota, and the Summer Food Service Program statewide.
As summer approaches, many families face the challenge of keeping children well-nourished when school meal programs pause for the season. Fortunately, several free resources are available to help ensure kids continue to receive nutritious meals all summer long.
Here are key programs Minnesota families can take advantage of this year:
SUN Bucks
Formerly known as Summer EBT, SUN Bucks is an income-based food support program providing $120 per eligible school-aged child to help purchase groceries during the summer months. Most eligible children are automatically enrolled through participation in public assistance programs or through an approved application for free or reduced-price school meals.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently rebranded the program under its new “SUN” umbrella, highlighting its positive impact on children nationwide.
Learn more: dcyf.mn.gov/sun-bucks
Summer Eats Minnesota
The Summer Eats Minnesota program ensures children 18 and under can access free, nutritious meals at community sites such as parks, libraries, recreation centers, and schools—no registration required.
Families can download the Free Meals for Kids mobile app to locate nearby meal sites, view menus, and check serving times at hundreds of locations across the state. The app was developed in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education.
Find details and download the app: hungerimpactpartners.org/summereats
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
Administered by the Minnesota Department of Education, the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) helps bridge the nutrition gap when school is out. The program offers free, healthy meals to children at approved sites across Minnesota, helping them stay nourished and ready to learn when school resumes.
Learn more: education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/FNS/SFSP
Why These Programs Matter
When school is not in session, many families struggle with additional food costs. Programs like SUN Bucks, Summer Eats Minnesota, and SFSP help ease this burden by ensuring no child goes hungry during the summer months.
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder encourages families to explore these resources and share them within their communities. Food security is a shared responsibility—and together, we can help make sure Minnesota kids stay healthy and nourished all year long.