Sample letter for states, Tribes, and territories to share with schools for distributing to households with children who are automatically eligible and do not need to apply. Text that require customization is indicated in bold within brackets.
[School District Name and Logo]
[Household ID #_________]
Dear [Parent or Guardian Name]:
[Child(ren) Name(s) in your household] [is/are] eligible for a program called [insert Summer EBT/SUN Bucks], which helps families buy food during the summer when school is out. [Child(ren) Name(s)] will automatically be enrolled in the program, so you do not need to apply.
You should automatically receive [customize: $120 for each eligible child on a card, will receive three installments of $40, etc.] that you can use to buy food during the summer at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers.
[insert Summer EBT/SUN Bucks] will be [customize: mailed to you, loaded on your existing card around] [insert date]. [insert Summer EBT/SUN Bucks] benefits will be available for use by [insert date of issuance] and must be used by [insert benefit expungement date], after which the benefits will no longer be available.
If your address has changed this year [customize: be sure to update it with your school district or benefit issuing agency] to ensure your benefit card is sent to the right address. If you do not receive your [insert Summer EBT/SUN Bucks] make sure your address is up to date with [customize: insert the process for updating or checking addresses].
If you do not wish to participate in [insert Summer EBT/SUN Bucks], [customize: provide instructions about how to opt out].
If you receive more than $120 [customize dollar amount if needed] per eligible child, do not use the extra funds. Contact [insert Summer EBT/SUN Bucks agency contact information] to confirm or correct the error.
In addition to [insert Summer EBT/SUN Bucks], the children under 18 years of age in your household can also receive free meals during the summer at a summer meal site. You can call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (or text 914-342-7744 with the keyword “summer meals”) to find the location closest to you.
If you have questions, you can contact [insert Summer EBT/SUN Bucks agency customer service number].
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Title]
[Agency]