Q. What is Virginia SUN Bucks Virginia SUN Bucks is a new, federal food benefit program created to reduce childhood hunger by providing eligible children with a one-time $120 food benefit on a SUN Bucks card to purchase groceries. Many families will get the benefit without applying, while some families will need to apply. Q. Who is automatically eligible for Virginia SUN Bucks and does not need to apply Most children eligible to receive Virginia SUN Bucks will receive the benefit automatically without having to fill out an application. Your child is automatically enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks if your family: Receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits or participate in a Medical Assistance (MA) program based on their income.and/or Applied for and received free or reduced-price meals at school during the 2023-2024 school year through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).The Virginia Department of Social Services and the Virginia Department of Education estimate that about 650,000 children qualify as a part of these two groups and do not need to apply because they are automatically enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks. Q. How do I know if my family needs to apply for Virginia SUN Bucks You must apply for Virginia SUN Bucks if your child did not apply for and receive free or reduced-price school meals, or if your family does not participate in SNAP, TANF, or a Medical Assistance program based on your income. Some schools provide free meals to a kids without an application. If your child attends one of these schools and your family does not participate in SNAP, TANF, or a Medical Assistance program based on your income, you should apply. Q. How do I know if my child is ineligible for Virginia SUN Bucks and should NOT apply Your household may be ineligible if your income is above the program limit. The total amount of money your household can make depends on how many people live with you. Click here to see if you make too much to participate in Virginia SUN Bucks. Another way your child may be ineligible for Virginia SUN Bucks is if they are homeschooled, attend a virtual school, or a non-public school that does not participate in the NSLP - in those examples, your family MUST participate in SNAP, TANF or an income-based Medical Assistance program to be eligible. Q. I don't think my family is automatically enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks. How do I apply Beginning July 1, 2024, you can apply by mail by visiting VirginiaSunBucks.com to print and mail the application to Virginia SUN Bucks, c/o VDSS, 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Families wishing to apply over the phone can do so later in July. More information about a call-in application process will be available on the Virginia SUN Bucks website after July 1