The deadline for states to decide on participating in SUN Bucks—a federal program aiding summer meal assistance—approaches quickly. Last year, Indiana chose not to join, raising concerns among local hunger advocates. They believe many children relied on this program to access meals when school was out.
In 2024, over 660,000 Indiana kids received support from SUN Bucks, as reported by the Indy Hunger Network. Mark Lynch, with the network, emphasized the program’s importance as federal food assistance faces possible restrictions. “When schools break for summer, many kids miss out on nutritious meals they relied on during the school year,” he said.
Although Indiana participated in 2024, it notified federal officials in 2025 that it wouldn’t continue. Yet, the door remains open for future participation. Interestingly, last year, 13 states opted out of SUN Bucks, but Iowa, having joined again for 2026, noted the complexity of managing an alternative meal distribution program for families.
Groups in Indiana are pushing for the state to rejoin SUN Bucks, highlighting its ease of management and low federal costs. Matthew Feltrop, the executive director of A Longer Table, a nonprofit in Indianapolis, believes access to food is crucial for children’s success. He noted, “It’s hard to understand why we would pass up a federally funded program that supports kids during breaks.”
The disappearance of programs like SUN Bucks can result in long-term impacts. Studies show that children who lack access to food during school breaks face academic challenges and health issues later in life. This raises the urgency for states like Indiana to reconsider their participation.
As discussions continue, the voices of those advocating for children’s nutrition remain vital, ensuring that every child has the opportunity for a successful and healthy future.
For more insights into federal programs and food assistance, you can explore resources from the USDA.
