INDIANA – While many Hoosier families benefited from the federal SUN Bucks program last summer, which provided $120 per child monthly for food during the school break, Indiana will not participate in the program in 2025.
SUN Bucks aimed to ensure schoolchildren had consistent access to nutritious meals during the summer months when schools were closed. The decision not to participate in the federal program has raised concerns among advocates for low-income families, particularly as grocery costs continue to rise and access to meal sites can be limited, especially in rural parts of the state.
Despite the discontinuation of SUN Bucks, free summer meals will still be available at approximately 1,000 locations across Indiana in low-income areas. These sites are typically schools, libraries, and community centers participating in the Summer Food Service Program, a separate federal initiative.
Advocates worry that the loss of the direct financial assistance provided by SUN Bucks will place a greater burden on families already struggling to make ends meet. They also point out that while the free meal sites are a valuable resource, accessibility can be a significant challenge for families without reliable transportation or those living in more geographically isolated areas.
The Indiana Department of Education has yet to release a comprehensive list of the summer meal site locations for 2025. Families seeking information on available resources are encouraged to contact their local schools or community organizations for updates as they become available.
