Indianapolis, January 13, 2026
Indiana has announced it will not participate in the federal Summer EBT program, SUN Bucks, which helps school-age children with grocery benefits during summer months. The decision is attributed to funding constraints and administrative challenges, with officials citing a need for an additional $5 million to $7 million. Although Indiana will not implement the program, it will continue to provide alternative summer meal assistance through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program at various locations across the state.
Indiana Opts Out of Federal Summer Food Aid Program for Schoolchildren
Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana has decided not to participate in the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, known as SUN Bucks, for the upcoming summer. This program provides eligible school-age children with $120 in grocery benefits to help cover food costs during the summer months when school is not in session.
State Cites Funding and Administrative Challenges
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) stated that the state cannot afford the additional $5 million to $7 million required to administer the program. Officials also highlighted broader funding gaps in Indiana’s food assistance budget as a contributing factor to the decision. FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob mentioned that while integrating SUN Bucks in a more streamlined manner is desirable, the state currently lacks the necessary resources and funding to do so effectively.
Background on SUN Bucks Program
Introduced as a pilot and expanded nationwide in 2024, the SUN Bucks program aims to alleviate food insecurity among children during the summer break. In its first year, approximately 669,000 Indiana children participated, collectively receiving $80 million in benefits. The program is federally funded, with the federal government covering the benefit amount and splitting administrative costs equally with participating states.
Alternative Summer Meal Options in Indiana
Despite opting out of the SUN Bucks program, Indiana continues to offer alternative summer meal assistance. The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program provides free meals at approximately 1,000 locations across the state, including schools and other organizations. Families seeking information on participating sites can use the USDA’s Site Finder Map or contact the Hunger Hotline for assistance.
National Context
Indiana is among several states that have chosen not to participate in the SUN Bucks program. Other states, including Florida, Georgia, and Oklahoma, have also declined to opt in, citing various concerns such as administrative costs and program sustainability. These decisions have sparked discussions about the impact on child food insecurity and the availability of summer meal programs for low-income families.
Implications for Indiana Families
The withdrawal from the SUN Bucks program may affect families who relied on the additional support during the summer months. While alternative meal programs are available, the decision underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing food insecurity and the complexities involved in administering federal assistance programs at the state level.
Looking Ahead
As summer approaches, Indiana families are encouraged to explore available resources and meal programs to ensure children have access to nutritious food during the school break. Community organizations and local food banks may also offer support and information on additional assistance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the SUN Bucks program?
The SUN Bucks program is a federal initiative that provides eligible school-age children with $120 in grocery benefits during the summer months when school is not in session, aiming to alleviate food insecurity among children.
Why did Indiana opt out of the SUN Bucks program?
Indiana officials cited the inability to afford the additional $5 million to $7 million required to administer the program, along with broader funding gaps in the state’s food assistance budget, as reasons for opting out.
What alternative meal programs are available in Indiana?
Indiana continues to offer the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program, providing free meals at approximately 1,000 locations across the state, including schools and other organizations. Families can use the USDA’s Site Finder Map or contact the Hunger Hotline for information on participating sites.
Which other states have opted out of the SUN Bucks program?
Other states that have chosen not to participate in the SUN Bucks program include Florida, Georgia, and Oklahoma, citing various concerns such as administrative costs and program sustainability.
How can Indiana families access summer meal assistance?
Families can access summer meal assistance through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program by locating participating sites using the USDA’s Site Finder Map or contacting the Hunger Hotline for assistance. Additionally, community organizations and local food banks may offer support and information on additional assistance programs.
Key Features of the SUN Bucks Program Decision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | SUN Bucks |
| Benefit Amount | $120 per eligible school-age child |
| Purpose | To alleviate food insecurity among children during the summer months when school is not in session |
| State’s Decision | Indiana opted out of the program for the upcoming summer |
| Reasons for Opting Out | Inability to afford the additional $5 million to $7 million required for administration and broader funding gaps in the state’s food assistance budget |
| Alternative Programs | USDA’s Summer Food Service Program offering free meals at approximately 1,000 locations across Indiana |
| Other States Opting Out | Florida, Georgia, and Oklahoma |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
