Alaska does not participate in the SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program in 2026. Alaska is among the states that have not opted into the federal Summer EBT program, meaning Alaska families will not receive the $120-per-child summer grocery benefit that eligible families in 37+ other states and territories receive.
This page explains what this means for Alaska families, what summer food assistance is available, and how to access food support during the summer months.
Does Alaska Have SUN Bucks or Summer EBT?
No — Alaska does not participate in Summer EBT for 2026. The federal SUN Bucks program is optional for states, and Alaska has chosen not to participate. This means:
- No $120-per-child summer benefit is available through SUN Bucks in Alaska
- There is no Alaska SUN Bucks card being issued
- There is no application to submit for Alaska Summer EBT in 2026
Alaska joins Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah as states that do not participate in 2026.
Summer Food Assistance Available to Alaska Families
While SUN Bucks is not available in Alaska, several programs provide food support for children and families during the summer months:
1. SNAP (Food Stamps) — Year-Round Grocery Benefits
Alaska families who qualify for SNAP (food stamps) receive monthly benefits year-round — including through the summer. Alaska’s SNAP income limits use the higher Alaska Federal Poverty Level, which means more families qualify compared to the contiguous 48 states.
Alaska SNAP income limit (130% Alaska FPL):
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,917 |
| 2 | $2,591 |
| 3 | $3,265 |
| 4 | $3,939 |
| 5 | $4,613 |
| 6 | $5,287 |
| Each additional | +$674/month |
Alaska uses a higher FPL due to the cost of living. Limits are approximate — confirm with Alaska SNAP agency.
If your family doesn’t receive SNAP, check your eligibility using the food stamp benefit checker. Apply through the Alaska Division of Public Assistance (DPA) online at mybenefits.alaska.gov or by calling 1-888-429-3123.
For your state’s full SNAP eligibility picture, see SNAP income limits for Alaska.
2. Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program provides free meals to children 18 and under at community sites including schools, parks, community centers, and libraries during the summer. Unlike SUN Bucks, SFSP meals are free hot meals — no EBT card required, no income verification at the site.
Alaska participates in SFSP. To find a summer meal site near you:
- Call 211 — the statewide social services helpline
- Text “FOOD” to 304-304
- Visit the USDA’s Summer Meals site finder at fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites
SFSP runs June through August at most sites. Meals are available to any child under 18 without an application.
3. WIC — For Pregnant Women and Young Children
Alaska families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, infant, or child under 5 may qualify for WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), which provides monthly food benefits year-round. WIC benefits in Alaska include vouchers for specific foods and can be used at authorized WIC retailers statewide.
Check WIC income eligibility guidelines to see if your family qualifies. Alaska WIC is administered by the Alaska Department of Health — contact your local WIC clinic or call the Alaska WIC program for the nearest location.
4. LIHEAP — Energy Assistance
Alaska has some of the highest heating costs in the country. SNAP households in Alaska automatically meet the income requirement for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), which helps pay heating bills. See how to apply for LIHEAP to access heating assistance alongside your food benefits.
5. Food Banks and Local Summer Meal Programs
Alaska has a network of food banks and local pantries that provide free groceries and summer meal programs for children:
- Food Bank of Alaska — serves Anchorage and surrounding communities; visit foodbankofalaska.org
- Feeding America member food banks — statewide network; find your nearest at feedingamerica.org
- Dial 211 to find local food resources, summer meal sites, and emergency food assistance near you
Will Alaska Join Summer EBT in the Future?
Alaska has not announced plans to join the SUN Bucks program for future summers. The program is administered voluntarily by states, and participation can change from year to year. Check back each spring for updates on whether Alaska plans to participate in future Summer EBT rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alaska have SUN Bucks in 2026?
No — Alaska does not participate in the SUN Bucks Summer EBT program for 2026. Alaska families will not receive the $120-per-child summer benefit available in other states.
Why doesn’t Alaska have Summer EBT?
The Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) program is optional for states — each state must choose to participate and administer the program. Alaska has not opted into the program for 2026. The reason is not publicly stated by state officials, but administrative capacity and state budget decisions are typically factors.
What can Alaska families use instead of SUN Bucks?
Alaska families can use SNAP benefits year-round for grocery purchases, the Summer Food Service Program for free hot meals at community sites (no EBT needed, no income check at the site), WIC for families with young children, and local food banks accessible through 211.
How do I check my Alaska SNAP balance?
Check your Alaska SNAP balance by calling 1-888-997-8111 (the Alaska EBT customer service line, available 24/7), through the ebtEDGE app, or online at ebtedge.com. See the full guide to checking your SNAP balance in Alaska.
How do I apply for SNAP in Alaska?
Apply at mybenefits.alaska.gov online, or call the Alaska Division of Public Assistance at 1-888-429-3123. Find your nearest DPA office and get the complete application instructions at how to apply for SNAP in Alaska.
For more on the Summer EBT program and which states participate, see the Summer EBT program overview. To check your SNAP eligibility in Alaska, use the EBT eligibility estimator.