Governor Spanberger Urges Families to Apply for SUN Bucks Before August 31 Deadline

Governor Abigail Spanberger today encouraged eligible Virginia families to apply for Virginia SUN Bucks, a summer nutrition program providing a one-time $120 benefit for each eligible school-aged child, with the application deadline set for August 31. This program helps families secure food when children lose access to school meals.

Since its June launch, over 628,000 Virginia children have received SUN Bucks, though nearly 705,000 are expected to be eligible statewide. Governor Spanberger said, "Virginia families are feeling the strain of rising grocery costs — particularly as a reckless war and chaotic policies are driving up prices and threatening Virginians’ ability to put food on the table." She added that despite "the largest cuts to food assistance in history last year," Virginia is "using every tool we have to keep kids fed."

SUN Bucks can be utilized to purchase groceries, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and meat, at locations accepting SNAP EBT benefits. Virginians can also enhance benefits through Virginia Fresh Match, which doubles the value of SNAP purchases on fruits and vegetables. Virginia is one of 39 states participating in the federal Summer EBT program.

To simplify access, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) introduced a new online application. Households can apply online, print and mail a paper application, or call the SUN Bucks Call Center at 866‑513‑1414. Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin B. Figueroa said, "No family should have to worry about where their next meal will come from simply because school is out for the summer."

Virginia Department of Social Services Commissioner Duke Storen emphasized that SUN Bucks helps "stretch grocery budgets by putting healthy food within reach for families who need it most." The Spanberger Administration noted that federal cuts to SNAP assistance, part of President Donald Trump’s H.R.1, put nearly 7,000 Virginians at risk, prompting Virginia's 2026-2028 state budget to include nearly $1 billion in investments to mitigate these impacts.