Utah does not participate in the SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program in 2026. Utah is the only state in this series with this specific trajectory: Utah participated in SUN Bucks in 2025 after skipping 2024, then opted back out for 2026. Utah’s Jordan School District, which administered the program locally, has confirmed that “Utah SUN Bucks is closed for 2025. It will not be offered for the summer of 2026.”
Utah’s unique on/off/off participation pattern — and its use of the Utah Horizon Card and a Double Up Food Bucks integration during its 2025 participation — make this article distinct from all other non-participating state articles.
Does Utah Have SUN Bucks in 2026?
No — Utah opted out of Summer EBT for 2026 after participating in 2025. Utah is notable in the series for being the only non-participating state that previously participated but reversed course:
- 2024: Did NOT participate
- 2025: Participated — distributing $120 per child starting June 2025
- 2026: Did NOT participate — opted out
Utah’s Department of Workforce Services (DWS) policy states explicitly: “State participation in the program is determined annually by legislative funding.” Utah’s opt-out for 2026 reflects a legislative funding decision rather than a permanent policy rejection.
Utah’s 2025 SUN Bucks Program — What It Looked Like
During its 2025 participation, Utah’s SUN Bucks had several distinctive features worth noting:
Utah Horizon Card — Utah calls its EBT card the Utah Horizon Card, the state’s branded EBT card for SNAP (called “Food Assistance” in Utah) and other benefits administered by the Department of Workforce Services (DWS). In 2025, Utah SUN Bucks were added to the Utah Horizon Card for SNAP households or issued as a separate EBT card.
Double Up Food Bucks integration — Utah’s 2025 SUN Bucks could be used with Double Up Food Bucks at participating farmers markets: every $1 spent earned an additional $2 to spend on fresh produce. This 3:1 match at Utah farmers markets was a notable amplifier of the $120 benefit.
DWS administration — Utah SUN Bucks was administered through DWS at jobs.utah.gov/sunbucks, not through the Department of Health or a separate benefits agency.
Ages 7–16 — Utah’s 2025 eligibility used a specific age window of children ages 7–16 for the categorical eligibility pathway.
Summer Food Assistance Available to Utah Families in 2026
1. Utah SNAP (Utah Horizon Card) — Year-Round Through DWS
Utah SNAP — officially called “Food Assistance” in Utah — provides monthly grocery benefits year-round through the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS). Benefits are loaded onto the Utah Horizon Card.
- Apply online: jobs.utah.gov (Click “Apply for Assistance” → Food Assistance)
- Phone: 1-866-435-7414 (DWS Benefits hotline)
- In person: your local DWS employment center
Utah SNAP uses the standard 130% FPL income limit for most households. Check Utah SNAP income limits and use the food assistance eligibility tool to confirm eligibility. See how to apply for food assistance in Utah for guidance.
2. Utah Soft Drink Ban — Know What You Can Buy
Utah has an active USDA Food Restriction Waiver banning soft drinks from SNAP (and, when it ran, SUN Bucks) purchases. This affects all Utah Horizon Card users.
Banned in Utah SNAP: soft drinks / carbonated sodas
Still allowed: most other groceries including juice, water, milk, coffee, tea, and all foods not subject to the ban.
See Utah SNAP soft drink ban for the full list of restrictions.
3. Summer Food Service Program — Free Meals at Community Sites
The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) — called SUN Meals in Utah — provides free meals and snacks to children 18 and under at community sites statewide. In rural areas, SUN Meals To-Go provides meals for pickup or delivery.
How to find a SUN Meals site in Utah:
- Dial 211 — Utah 211 is available statewide
- Text “FOOD” to 304-304
- Visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites
- Visit the Utah Hunger website at utahhunger.org
4. Double Up Food Bucks — 3:1 Match at Utah Farmers Markets
Utah participates in Double Up Food Bucks — matching SNAP Utah Horizon Card spending at participating farmers markets, providing $2 in fresh produce for every $1 spent on produce (up to program limits). While Double Up applies to SNAP rather than SUN Bucks (since Utah isn’t participating in SUN Bucks this year), it stretches existing SNAP benefits significantly at markets.
Find participating Utah farmers markets at doubleupfoodbucks.org or at local farmers market websites.
5. WIC — For Families With Young Children
Utah families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, infant, or child under 5 may qualify for WIC. Check Utah WIC income eligibility to see if your family qualifies.
6. Utah Food Banks
Utah’s food bank network provides free groceries and summer food programs:
- Utah Food Bank — statewide; utahfoodbank.org | (801) 978-2452
- St. George Area food programs — contact Utah Food Bank for southern Utah resources
- Cache Community Food Pantry — Logan and Cache Valley area
Dial 211 to find the nearest food pantry or food bank in your area.
7. LIHEAP — Energy Assistance
Utah SNAP households automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements for energy assistance. Utah summers are hot in the west and south; cooling assistance is available. See LIHEAP energy assistance in Utah.
Why Utah Opted Out for 2026
Utah’s DWS policy states that participation is determined annually by legislative funding. Utah did not secure the legislative appropriation needed to administer the program for 2026. Utah’s 2025 participation was a one-year commitment that was not renewed for 2026.
Utah’s 2025 SNAP soft drink ban may have also been a factor in the 2026 decision — Utah’s DWS would have needed to implement the soft drink restriction for SUN Bucks as well, adding administrative complexity.
Will Utah Return to Summer EBT in 2026?
Utah could rejoin if the Legislature allocates funding for 2026. Contact your Utah state legislators or the Governor’s office to advocate for Utah’s participation. Utah’s DWS is responsible for submitting the state plan to USDA by January 1 each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Utah have SUN Bucks in 2026?
No — Utah participated in SUN Bucks in 2025 but opted out for 2026. Utah’s Jordan School District has confirmed the program will not be offered in summer 2026.
Did Utah ever participate in Summer EBT?
Yes — Utah participated in SUN Bucks in summer 2025 (not in 2024), distributing $120 per eligible child starting in June 2025. Utah then opted out for 2026.
What is the Utah Horizon Card?
The Utah Horizon Card is Utah’s branded EBT card for SNAP (Food Assistance), TANF (Family Employment Program), and other benefits administered by the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS). When Utah participated in SUN Bucks in 2025, benefits were added to the Horizon Card or a separate card for SNAP households.
Can I still buy soft drinks with my Utah SNAP card?
No — Utah has an active USDA Food Restriction Waiver banning soft drinks from SNAP purchases. See Utah SNAP soft drink ban for details.
How do I apply for Utah food assistance (SNAP)?
Apply online at jobs.utah.gov, call DWS at 1-866-435-7414, or visit your local DWS employment center. See how to apply for food assistance in Utah for step-by-step guidance.
For the national Summer EBT overview and participating states, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your Utah SNAP eligibility, use the EBT eligibility estimator.