South Dakota does not participate in the SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program in 2026. South Dakota has declined to participate every year since the program launched in 2024, leaving thousands of children without the $120-per-child summer grocery benefit available in 37+ other states.
South Dakota is among twelve non-participating states, joining Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming.
Does South Dakota Have SUN Bucks or Summer EBT?
No — South Dakota has not participated in Summer EBT since the program launched in 2024. The SUN Bucks program is voluntary for states, and South Dakota’s state government has chosen not to apply. South Dakota’s Department of Social Services (DSS) and Governor’s office have not publicly detailed their specific reasons for opting out.
During the school year, more than 57,000 children in South Dakota receive free and reduced-price meals through the National School Breakfast and School Lunch Programs — but those programs are unavailable when school is not in session.
Summer Food Assistance Available to South Dakota Families
1. Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) — Free Meals at Community Sites
The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free, nutritious meals and snacks to children in low-income areas throughout South Dakota when school is not in session. The program is overseen by the South Dakota Department of Education’s Division of Child and Adult Nutrition Services (CANS).
No EBT card, application, or income verification is required at the meal site. All children and youth ages 0–18 (and persons with disabilities over age 18 who participate in school programs) can receive free meals.
Sites include schools, private nonprofits, local governments, parks and recreation departments, libraries, neighborhood service agencies, and tribal governments across South Dakota.
How to find a summer meal site near you:
- Dial 211 — South Dakota 211 is available statewide
- Text “FOOD” to 304-304
- Visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites
- Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479), Monday–Friday 8 AM–8 PM
SFSP rural access note: South Dakota is a very rural state. USDA’s CANS division has specifically identified central South Dakota counties — including Campbell, Walworth, Hughes, Stanley, Gregory, Buffalo, and Bennett counties — as having high need for new Summer Food Service Program sponsors. Families in these rural areas may have limited SFSP site coverage nearby. If no site is in your area, some rural communities offer SUN Meals To-Go meal pickup or delivery — check fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites for pickup/delivery options.
2. South Dakota SNAP — Year-Round Through DSS
South Dakota SNAP benefits continue year-round through the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS). Monthly food benefits are not reduced in summer.
- Apply online: dss.sd.gov (Click “Apply for Benefits” → SNAP)
- Phone: 1-888-828-2011 (SD DSS)
- In person: your local DSS office
Check South Dakota SNAP income limits and use the SNAP benefits estimator to confirm eligibility. See how to apply for SNAP in South Dakota for step-by-step guidance.
3. Tribal Nation Summer Food Programs
South Dakota has nine federally recognized tribal nations, and several tribal governments operate their own summer feeding programs and food distribution networks for children on tribal lands. Unlike Oklahoma’s tribal nations (which operate independent Summer EBT programs), South Dakota’s tribal nations are not currently running their own separate Summer EBT programs — but many operate summer meal sites and food assistance programs through SFSP, FDPIR, and tribal food banks.
Contact your tribal nation’s social services or food program office directly for information about summer food resources on tribal lands. The Feeding South Dakota food bank network also serves tribal communities across the state.
4. WIC — For Families With Young Children
South Dakota families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, infant, or child under 5 may qualify for WIC. Check South Dakota WIC income eligibility to see if your family qualifies.
5. Feeding South Dakota — Food Bank Network
Feeding South Dakota is the state’s primary food bank network, providing free groceries through pantries, mobile distributions, and summer programming across the state. feedingsouthdakota.org | (605) 335-0364.
Feeding South Dakota operates a summer children’s feeding program as well, distributing food directly to families in communities where access to SFSP sites is limited.
Dial 211 to find the nearest food pantry or food bank distribution in your area.
6. Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
South Dakota DSS administers the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) — which provides low-income seniors with special checks to buy fresh, nutritious fruits, vegetables, and herbs from authorized farmers’ markets. This runs seasonally June through October.
7. LIHEAP — Energy Assistance
South Dakota SNAP households automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements for energy assistance. See energy assistance in South Dakota for how to apply.
South Dakota’s Rural Summer Meal Gap
South Dakota is one of the most rural and geographically spread-out states in the country — with a total population of under 950,000 spread across 77,116 square miles. Many rural families live far from summer meal sites, making the transportation barrier to SFSP access particularly significant.
USDA has specifically identified high-need counties in central South Dakota that lack sufficient SFSP sponsors. SUN Bucks would have been especially valuable in South Dakota precisely because it would have allowed families to shop at their nearest authorized grocery retailer — eliminating the transportation barrier that affects SFSP participation in rural areas.
Will South Dakota Join Summer EBT in the Future?
South Dakota has declined every year since 2024. Each year, states must notify USDA by January 1 of their intent to participate in the following summer.
To encourage South Dakota to join SUN Bucks, contact your state legislators or the Governor’s office at governor.sd.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does South Dakota have SUN Bucks in 2026?
No — South Dakota has not participated in the SUN Bucks Summer EBT program since it launched in 2024. Eligible children in South Dakota do not receive the $120-per-child summer grocery benefit available in most other states.
What summer food help is available in South Dakota?
South Dakota SNAP benefits continue year-round. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free meals to children at community sites — all children 18 and under are eligible, no application needed. Feeding South Dakota’s food bank network provides free groceries. Dial 211 for local resources.
How do I find a free summer meal in South Dakota?
Dial 211, text “FOOD” to 304-304, or visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites. Rural families should look for SUN Meals To-Go pickup or delivery options. Also check with your local tribal nation if you live on or near tribal land.
How do I apply for South Dakota SNAP?
Apply online at dss.sd.gov, call 1-888-828-2011, or visit your local DSS office. See how to apply for SNAP in South Dakota for guidance.
Does South Dakota have tribal Summer EBT like Oklahoma?
No — while South Dakota has nine federally recognized tribal nations, none are currently operating their own independent Summer EBT programs like Oklahoma’s Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Otoe-Missouria tribal programs. South Dakota tribal nations provide summer food assistance through other channels including SFSP and FDPIR.
For the national Summer EBT overview and participating states, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your South Dakota SNAP eligibility, use the food assistance eligibility estimator.