Toppenish School District

Families are strongly encouraged to update their mailing address with their TANF, SNAP and the school their child attends in preparation for 2025 SUN Bucks benefits. The address on file will be used for delivering benefits.

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a program that helps families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will get a one-time $120 benefit per year for each eligible child to help buy groceries during the summer months. Nearly 600,000 Washington children received SUN Bucks over the summer of 2024.

Sign up for text alerts to be notified of SUN Bucks updates, benefit details, important reminders and answers to questions.
For questions about the SUN Bucks program or your benefits, please call the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 833-543-3230 (TTY: 800-833-6348) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday (except observed holidays). 

Who is eligible for SUN Bucks?
Most children will automatically qualify for SUN Bucks if at any point since July 2024 they were:
Enrolled at a school that offers the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program AND individually approved for free or reduced-price meals at school OR Age 8-18 and a member of a household that receives benefits from the TANF or SNAP.
If your child is automatically enrolled, you will receive notification in June 2025.

Do I need to apply for SUN Bucks?
If your child is not automatically enrolled, you can submit a SUN Bucks application. Your child may still be eligible if they are:
Enrolled at an NSLP or SBP participating school AND Living in a household with income that meets NSLP Income Eligibility Guidelines to qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Online applications for SUN Bucks in 2025 are currently open through August 2025.
We encourage families to apply online for faster processing, but if you are unable to submit an application online, you may print, complete and mail a paper SUN Bucks application to:
DSHS Customer Service Center
P.O. Box 11669
Tacoma, WA 98411-6699
All applications are subject to additional questions and verification as needed. 
Paper applications are available in additional languages under Form 14-554.

How will I know my child has been enrolled into SUN Bucks?
Once eligibility is determined, each eligible child will receive an approval letter. A dedicated SUN Bucks card will be mailed separately and arrive about seven to 10 business days later. Families should keep their SUN Bucks card in case they are eligible for future benefits.

Where will my SUN Bucks card be mailed?
SUN Bucks cards will be mailed to the address on file at DSHS or at the child's school, or the address listed on the application. Families should be sure their address is correct at both locations.

What if I don't want SUN Bucks benefits?
If you would like to opt out of receiving SUN Bucks benefits, please call the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 833-543-3230 to complete your request to opt out of the program. 

What if my child automatically receives free or reduced-price meals through a Community Eligibility Provision or Provision 2 school, regardless of income?
SUN Bucks requires students to meet Income Eligibility Guidelines. CEP and Provision 2 schools don’t require income verification to qualify for free and reduced-price meals, so families with children attending these schools need to submit a Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit application or CNEEB with their school or a SUN Bucks application. Income Guidelines are revised on July 1 of every year; the income limits used to determine SUN Bucks eligibility are the limits in place on the date of application.

How can I use my SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks cards can be used at any authorized retailers nationwide where EBT is accepted, including at participating farmers markets, on uncooked: fruits, veggies, meat, dairy products, breads and cereals, snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, seeds and plants that produce food. If we suspect you have fraudulently received or used SUN Bucks we may open a fraud investigation. If we determine fraud has occurred, you may be responsible for repayment.

How can I check my balance?
You can check your balance anytime by calling the number on the back of your SUN Bucks card, visiting ebtEDGE.com or using the ebtEDGE app.

Do SUN Bucks benefits expire?
SUN Bucks benefits expire 122 days after the date they are issued. Benefits that are redeemed, expired, lost or stolen due to skimming, phishing, or other fraudulent activity won’t be replaced.

Does SUN Bucks qualify for fruit and vegetable incentive programs?
If a family has a SUN Bucks card and a SNAP/EBT card, both cards receive additional benefits for purchase of fruits and vegetables. Visit Department of Health's SNAP Match to find participating retailers and farmers markets near you.