Idaho does not participate in the SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program in 2026. Idaho is among twelve states that opted out of the federal Summer EBT program, meaning Idaho families will not receive the $120-per-child summer grocery benefit available in 37+ other states this summer.
Idaho also has a significant SNAP change in effect since February 15, 2026 — candy and soda can no longer be purchased with SNAP EBT benefits statewide. Both developments make this a particularly important year for Idaho families to understand their food assistance options.
Does Idaho Have SUN Bucks or Summer EBT?
No — Idaho has not participated in Summer EBT since the program launched in 2024. The SUN Bucks program is voluntary for states, and Idaho has opted out every year. Idaho joins Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming as non-participating states in 2026.
Idaho has not publicly stated a specific reason for opting out. The decision ultimately rests with the Governor’s office, which must notify USDA by January 1 each year to participate in the following summer.
Idaho SNAP Update: Candy and Soda Ban Since February 15, 2026
While Idaho does not have SUN Bucks, there is another major SNAP change Idaho families need to know: starting February 15, 2026, SNAP benefits in Idaho can no longer be used to purchase candy or soda.
This change follows a state law passed by the Idaho Legislature in 2025 requiring the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) to remove candy and soda from SNAP-eligible purchases once federally approved. The USDA granted Idaho a Food Restriction Waiver, and the ban took effect February 15, 2026.
What is now banned in Idaho SNAP:
- Candy — including chocolate bars, gummies, hard candy, and other sweets
- Soda — carbonated soft drinks, regular and diet
What is still allowed:
- All fruits and vegetables — fresh, frozen, and canned
- Meat, poultry, and seafood
- Dairy — milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs
- Bread, grains, and cereals
- Chips, popcorn, and most other snack foods (not candy)
- Juice, water, coffee, tea, and non-carbonated beverages
- Frozen meals and prepared foods sold cold
If you try to purchase a restricted item with your Idaho EBT card, the card will not cover it. You can still pay for that item using cash, debit, or credit. For questions about the candy and soda restriction, email SNAPWaiver@dhw.idaho.gov or see Idaho SNAP junk food ban.
Summer Food Assistance Available to Idaho Families
1. Idaho SNAP — Year-Round Through DHW
Idaho SNAP benefits continue year-round through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW). Monthly food stamp benefits are unaffected by the summer months — your SNAP benefits don’t stop when school is out.
Idaho SNAP is administered by DHW at the county level statewide. As of December 2026, 124,714 Idahoans received food assistance through SNAP, with an average of approximately $182 per person per month.
- Apply online: healthandwelfare.idaho.gov
- Customer Service: 1-877-456-1233 (M–F 8 AM–5 PM Mountain Time)
- TTY: 1-800-377-3529
- SNAP waiver questions: SNAPWaiver@dhw.idaho.gov
Check your Idaho SNAP EBT balance and see Idaho SNAP income limits for current eligibility thresholds. To apply, see how to apply for SNAP in Idaho.
2. Summer Food Service Program — Free Meals at Community Sites
The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free meals to all children 18 and under at community sites throughout Idaho during the summer. No EBT card, no income verification, and no application is required at the meal site.
Sites include schools, parks, libraries, community centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, and churches across Idaho. Coverage is stronger in urban areas like Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello — rural areas may have fewer sites.
How to find a summer meal site in Idaho:
- Dial 211 — Idaho 211 is available statewide
- Text “FOOD” to 304-304
- Visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites
3. WIC — For Families With Young Children
Idaho families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, infant, or child under 5 may qualify for WIC. Idaho WIC is administered through local public health districts.
Check WIC income eligibility in Idaho to see if your family qualifies.
4. Idaho Food Banks and Nonprofits
Idaho’s food bank network provides free groceries and summer meal programs:
- The Idaho Foodbank — statewide network serving Boise, Lewiston, Pocatello, and surrounding communities; idahofoodbank.org
- The Foodbank of Southeastern Idaho — Idaho Falls, Blackfoot, Soda Springs area; ifb.org
- Local food pantries and churches throughout rural Idaho
Dial 211 to find the nearest food pantry, food bank distribution, or summer meal program in your area.
5. LIHEAP — Energy Assistance for Summer Cooling
Idaho SNAP recipients automatically meet the income requirement for LIHEAP, which helps pay energy bills. Idaho summers can be hot, particularly in the Snake River Plain and Treasure Valley — LIHEAP can help cover cooling costs. See the LIHEAP application guide for how to apply.
SNAP Work Requirements in Idaho Under the One Big Beautiful Bill
Idaho families should also be aware that SNAP work requirements expanded under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, effective January 1, 2026:
- The ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) age limit rose from 54 to 64 — meaning adults ages 55–64 must now meet work requirements
- The dependent child exemption dropped from any age to children under 14 — parents of teenagers 14 and older are now subject to work requirements
The federal bill also removed SNAP eligibility for refugees without a green card effective immediately upon passage in July 2025. Additionally, starting in fiscal year 2028, Idaho will for the first time be required to pay a portion of SNAP benefit costs — the state’s expenditure is expected to increase by approximately $6 million annually.
Contact DHW at 1-877-456-1233 if you have questions about how these changes affect your Idaho SNAP case.
Will Idaho Join Summer EBT in the Future?
Idaho has declined to participate every year since 2024. To encourage Idaho to join, contact your state legislators or the Governor’s office. The decision to participate must be made by January 1 each year for the following summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Idaho have SUN Bucks in 2026?
No — Idaho has not participated in the SUN Bucks Summer EBT program since the program launched. Idaho children who would qualify in other states do not receive the $120-per-child summer grocery benefit.
Can I still buy soda and candy with my Idaho EBT card?
No — as of February 15, 2026, candy and soda are banned from SNAP purchases in Idaho. This applies at all authorized SNAP retailers statewide. If you try to buy a restricted item, your EBT card will decline it. See Idaho SNAP junk food restrictions for the full list.
What food assistance is available to Idaho families this summer?
Idaho SNAP benefits continue year-round. The Summer Food Service Program provides free hot meals to all children 18 and under at community sites — no EBT or income check needed. Idaho food banks also provide free groceries. Dial 211 for local resources.
How do I find a free summer meal for my child in Idaho?
Dial 211, text “FOOD” to 304-304, or visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites to find summer meal sites near you in Idaho.
How do I contact Idaho DHW about my SNAP benefits?
Call 1-877-456-1233 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Mountain Time) or visit healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. For the candy and soda SNAP restriction specifically, email SNAPWaiver@dhw.idaho.gov.
For the national Summer EBT overview and which states do participate, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your Idaho SNAP eligibility, use the food assistance benefit tool.