Chesterfield parent urges families to apply for SUN Bucks program as deadline approaches

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The deadline for the Virginia SUN Bucks program is approaching its August 30 deadline.

The program, launched in 2024, partners with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service to give grocery benefits to help eligible school-aged children meet nutritional needs.

Qualifying families get a one-time $120 per child benefit that begins on July 1 through Aug. 30. Households already enrolled will receive the benefit loaded into their existing Virginia card.

Chesterfield parent Manuel Tabora received the benefits for the first time this summer. His two children attended Chester County middle and elementary schools. He said the money helps make ends meet.

“Having our kids eat healthy is challenging because right now food is so expensive,” Tabora said.

Before receiving the benefits, Tabora volunteered at the Belmont Food Pantry every Friday to get groceries for his family. He said even that wasn’t enough at times.

“It helps me a little bit, but not that much. If somehow, I wasn't working there as a volunteer, then I think my challenges will be even harder,” Tabora said.

He hopes other families take advantage of the opportunity to put food on the table.

“It boosts you on the part of getting food for your kids or any other things that you can’t afford because you have those -- it's a specific thing you have to buy,” Tabora said. “You don't have to care about what people do. If you have a family, just fight for your family, feed them.” 

A child is automatically enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks if: 

• They applied for and received free or reduced-cost meals through the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program during the 2024-2025 school year
• They are school-age, and their household already participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or an income-based Medical Assistance program.

If a child is not automatically enrolled under the criteria listed above and the family believes their child is eligible based on their income, they can apply for Virginia SUN Bucks by printing and completing the application found at www.VirginiaSunBucks.com.

Families can also apply over the phone by contacting the Virginia SUN Bucks call center at 866-513-1414 (toll-free) weekdays from 9:15 a.m. to 6 p.m.