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July 22, 2025 - Harrisburg, PA

Shapiro Administration Highlights SUN Bucks Summer Food Program to Help Feed Kids While School is Out, Encourages Eligible Families to Apply

Shapiro Administration officials emphasized the importance of ensuring kids have enough to eat year round, and touted Pennsylvania's participation once again this year in the SUN Bucks program, a federally funded summer benefit that helps eligible families purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers around Pennsylvania.


Department of Human Services (DHS) Special Assistant to the Secretary Catherine Stetler and Department of Education (PDE) Acting Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe, stood alongside partners from Feeding Pennsylvania and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank together to promote the SUN Bucks program, a federally funded summer serving lunch to kids at a SUN Meals Summer Food Service location. This is the SUN Bucks program's second year and the second time of participation for Pennsylvania.

LIST OF SPEAKERS
Catherine Stetler, DHS Special Assistant
Dr. Carrie Rowe, PDE Acting Secretary
Julie Bancroft, Feeding PA, CEO
Shila Ulrich, Central PA Food Bank, President
Representative Dave Madsen
Sarah DeSantis, Representative Justin C. Fleming's Office



SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_001.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Catherine Stetler, DHS Special Assistant to the Secretary, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_002.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Catherine Stetler, DHS Special Assistant to the Secretary, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_003.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Catherine Stetler, DHS Special Assistant to the Secretary, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_004.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Catherine Stetler, DHS Special Assistant to the Secretary, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_005.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dr. Carrie Rowe, PDE Acting Secretary, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_006.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dr. Carrie Rowe, PDE Acting Secretary, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_007.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dr. Carrie Rowe, PDE Acting Secretary, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_008.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dr. Carrie Rowe, PDE Acting Secretary, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_009.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Julie Bancroft, Feeding PA CEO Chief Executive Officer, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at a press conference at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_010.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Julie Bancroft, Feeding PA CEO Chief Executive Officer, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at a press conference at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_011.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Shila Ulrich, Central PA Food Bank President, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_012.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Shila Ulrich, Central PA Food Bank President, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_013.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Shila Ulrich, Central PA Food Bank President, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_014.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Representative Dave Madsen highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at a press conference at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_015.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Representative Dave Madsen highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at a press conference at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_016.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Sarah DeSantis, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at a press conference at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_017.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Sarah DeSantis, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at a press conference at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_018.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Representative Dave Madsen and Sarah DeSantis<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_019.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Catherine Stetler, DHS Special Assistant to the Secretary, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania..<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_020.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_021.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dr. Carrie Rowe, PDE Acting Secretary, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_022.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dr. Carrie Rowe, PDE Acting Secretary, highlights how summer food programs, such as SUN Bucks, are keeping young Pennsylvanians fed during the summer months at Veteran's Park Pavilion in Harrisburg, PA...SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_023.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_024.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_025.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_026.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_027.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_028.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_029.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_030.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_031.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_032.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_033.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_034.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_035.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_036.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_037.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_038.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> SUN Bucks is a federally-funded summer food program that issues households a one-time $120 benefit per eligible children that can be used to purchase fresh food and groceries at retailers across Pennsylvania...Now in its second year, SUN Bucks provides households with a SNAP-like benefit to purchase food during the summer months when school is not in session. Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply. For those not automatically eligible, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31st for summer 2025 benefits. Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete a paper or online application.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28091_dhs_sunBucks_sc_039.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>