Summary
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced that the state will provide extra food benefits to families with children through the SUN Bucks program in summer 2026. Iowa will rejoin this federal program, which offers additional grocery money when school meals are not available.
Key Facts
- Governor Kim Reynolds announced Iowa will join the SUN Bucks program for summer 2026.
- SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, gives extra funds for groceries when school meals aren't available.
- Families receive a one-time $120 payment per eligible child through the program.
- Iowa had opted out of SUN Bucks for two years to run its own program, Healthy Kids Iowa.
- Governor Reynolds said the state-created program was hard for some food banks to manage.
- Starting January 2026, Iowa will restrict SNAP purchases on certain sugary drinks and snacks.
- Around 259,300 Iowa residents use SNAP benefits, with 65% being families with children.
