An estimated 187,000 Kansas children missed out on free summer meals last year because their families didn’t apply for the SUN Bucks program. Of the 193,000 potential applications estimated by the USDA, only about 5,600 were submitted—just 3%, according to the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). SUN Bucks, or Summer EBT, provides a $120 grocery card per eligible child.
Meanwhile, over 59,000 families automatically received benefits due to prior enrollment in programs like free or reduced-price school meals or food assistance. However, Kansas doesn’t auto-enroll Medicaid recipients due to system limitations. Kansas Appleseed’s Haley Kottler says updating systems could allow 60,000 more children to be auto-enrolled.
Families had a short application window last year—from August to October. This year, the application period runs from January 27 to August 29. Despite the longer window, awareness remains low. Kottler said many families didn’t know they were eligible.
DCF promoted the program through social media, phone messages, and a fact sheet shared with schools. Yet, a study of 12 states showed that none surpassed a 20% application rate. Experts point to schools as the best source for outreach.
Immigrant families also remain cautious, fearing misuse of documentation despite reassurances.
As of April 11, DCF has received 1,294 applications.