Indiana opts out of summer grocery, meal program for students in 2025

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A summer grocery and meal program aimed at making sure students are fed over summer break isn't going to be available this year in Indiana.

The state has opted out of the summer grocery benefit program called SUN Bucks for 2025.

The federal program gives $120 to eligible students to help pay for groceries and meals throughout Summer Break.

Indiana participated for the first time in 2024, with 669,000 students enrolled in the program.

Carolyn Vega is an associate director at No Kid Hungry, a national program fighting food insecurity. When Vega heard Indiana was opting out of SUN Bucks, she said she was disappointed.

"We know that kids need good nutrition year-round to be able to grow and thrive and we know that without good nutrition over the summer, kids can show up back at school in the fall not as ready to learn," Vega said.

Local school districts, including New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated Schools, Greater Clark County Schools, both Scott County school districts and others have their own summer programs to help out.

Links to each school district's information on those programs can be found below:

For those not listed, you can: