New Mexico Launches SUN Bucks Program: $120 EBT Cards for Eligible Families to Support Summer Grocery Needs
According to KRQE, the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) has launched the SUN Bucks EBT cards to help families buy groceries during the summer. Each card gives $120 per child, aiming to make sure kids have enough food while school is out. Kari Armijo, the NM HCA Cabinet Secretary, said the program is meant to remove the worry of finding meals and keep children healthy and happy.
Families may be eligible for SUN Bucks if their children receive free or reduced-price meals at school, are homeless, migrant, or in foster care, or if they are receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF benefits. Eligibility also includes students at schools participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, and those from households with incomes below 185% of the Federal Poverty Limit. Benefits will be automatically provided to some families, while others must apply by August 15.
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253,000+ K-12 Students to Benefit: New Mexico Introduces SUN Bucks EBT Cards to Combat Summer Food Insecurity (PHOTO: KRQE)
New Mexico to Distribute SUN Bucks to 253,000 Students: Benefits Start in August
The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD), which will become the Health Care Authority on July 1, is preparing to distribute SUN Bucks to about 253,000 K-12 students this summer. Even though there were concerns about timing, HSD is working to get the benefits out in August. The first group will include students who qualify automatically, followed by those who apply for the program.
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