SUN Bucks summer program update

SUN Bucks (formerly summer EBT) is an income-based food support program that provides families with $120 per eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out for the summer. Families will receive $40 per child per month ($120 total per child) loaded onto a SUN Bucks EBT card to use on approved groceries.

What do I need to do to ensure my student receives SUN Bucks?

For MPS students already approved for free/reduced eligibility:

• Ensure that your household contact information is up-to-date with the district, including parent or guardian name, address and phone number. Contact your student’s school secretary if updates are needed.

For MPS students whose household did not yet complete an Application for Educational Benefits:

• Complete an Application for Educational Benefits online on School Cafe. You will receive a letter within ten business days letting you know if your child qualifies for free, reduced or paid eligibility. Only students who qualify for free or reduced lunch qualify for SUN Bucks benefits.
• Ensure that your household contact information is up-to-date with the district, including parent or guardian name, address and phone number.  Contact your student’s school secretary if updates are needed.
• Email info.cws@mpls.k12.mn.us if you have questions about your student’s eligibility

For MPS students who are paid eligibility:

• Your student currently does not qualify for SUN Bucks benefits.  You are encouraged to complete a new Application for Educational Benefits online on School Cafe if your household income has decreased or your household size has increased since you completed your application.

Data Privacy

In order to receive SUN Bucks benefits for eligible students, Minneapolis Public Schools must provide information on you and your child to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). In addition, MDE must share some information with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in order to distribute SUN Bucks benefits. This information includes private data about you or your minor child under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

Minneapolis Public Schools will provide MDE with the following information:

• Parent/guardian’s name, phone number, email address and mailing address

MDE will provide DCYF the following information:

• Student’s name and birthdate
• Student’s primary home language
• Parent/guardian’s name, phone number, email address and mailing address

Opting Out

If you do not want Minneapolis Public Schools to share your information with MDE and DCYF, please notify us by April 20, 2026 by e-mailing info.cws@mpls.k12.mn.us. If you opt out of sharing your information with MDE and DCYF, you will not receive SUN Bucks benefits.

If you have questions or concerns about this data privacy notice, please contact MPS Communications at answers@mpls.k12.mn.us.