Wyoming SUN Bucks is launching for the first time in summer 2026 — making Wyoming a new participant in the federal Summer EBT program. The program’s launch came through an unusual path: the Wyoming Legislature blocked funding for SUN Bucks in the state budget in March 2026, but Governor Mark Gordon then issued Executive Order 2026-02 in April 2026 to fund and implement the program directly.
Wyoming’s Department of Family Services (DFS) is working with USDA’s Federal Nutrition Services (FNS) to finalize the summer 2026 SUN Bucks program. Details — including specific deadlines, application requirements, and issuance dates — are being confirmed on a rolling basis. Subscribe to DFS’s weekly email updates at dfs.wyo.gov/sunbucks for the latest information.
Wyoming SUN Bucks 2026 — Key Facts
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Benefit amount | $120 per eligible child for summer 2026 |
| State agency | Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) |
| Official page | dfs.wyo.gov/assistance-programs/food-assistance/sun-bucks |
| Email updates | Subscribe weekly at dfs.wyo.gov/sunbucks (updates sent every Friday) |
| Program authority | Executive Order 2026-02 signed by Governor Mark Gordon |
| Operating period | June–August 2026 (per Executive Order) |
| Eligible children (estimated) | ~32,000 Wyoming children who qualify for free/reduced-price lunch |
| Benefits expire | 122 days from issue date |
| Food restrictions | Same purchasing restrictions as SNAP |
| Program status | Launching — details being finalized with USDA FNS |
Wyoming’s Unusual Path to SUN Bucks — Executive Order After Legislative Rejection
Wyoming’s 2026 SUN Bucks launch is one of the most politically distinctive stories in this entire series:
The legislative rejection: In March 2026, funding for SUN Bucks failed to make it into the unified Wyoming state budget for the next two years. A legislative bill to participate in the program also failed during the previous legislative session by a 34–25 vote.
The executive order override: In April 2026, Governor Mark Gordon signed Executive Order 2026-02, instructing Wyoming DFS to begin planning for implementation of SUN Bucks for summer 2026. The order states: “The health, well-being and nutritional security of Wyoming’s children are paramount to the future prosperity of the State,” and “Wyoming’s children deserve consistent access to nutritious food throughout the summer months when school meal programs are unavailable.”
Program finalization in progress: As of the time of publication, DFS is working with USDA FNS to finalize the program details. The governor’s executive order directs DFS to have it running from June to August 2026.
DFS budget request context: Wyoming DFS had requested a total of $3.5 million for SUN Bucks for the 2027–28 biennium — $1.77 million in state general funds and $1.77 million in federal funds (including a $1.6 million one-time startup). The food funds are 100% federally funded; only administrative costs are split between state and federal. Governor Gordon’s executive order identified funding to cover these administrative costs.
Who Qualifies for Wyoming SUN Bucks
Wyoming SUN Bucks is designed for the approximately 32,000 Wyoming children who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch and do not have access to school meals during the summer. Based on the DFS program description and federal SUN Bucks guidelines, Wyoming families will likely qualify through:
- SNAP (Wyoming food assistance)
- TANF (cash assistance)
- Medicaid at qualifying income levels
- Approved free or reduced-price school meal applications through NSLP schools
Final eligibility rules and pathways are being confirmed with USDA FNS. Subscribe to DFS email updates at dfs.wyo.gov/sunbucks for the confirmed eligibility criteria when published.
Wyoming SUN Bucks Income Limits 2026
Based on federal SUN Bucks guidelines, Wyoming families applying based on income will need to be at or below 185% FPL. The exact Wyoming-confirmed thresholds will be published at dfs.wyo.gov/sunbucks:
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit | Annual Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,248 | $26,973 |
| 2 | $3,041 | $36,482 |
| 3 | $3,834 | $46,006 |
| 4 | $4,628 | $55,530 |
| 5 | $5,421 | $65,052 |
| 6 | $6,214 | $74,574 |
| 7 | $7,008 | $84,098 |
| 8 | $7,801 | $93,608 |
| Each additional | +$794/month | +$9,524/year |
These are standard 185% FPL thresholds used by the federal Summer EBT program. Confirm Wyoming’s exact confirmed thresholds at dfs.wyo.gov/sunbucks when published.
How to Apply for Wyoming SUN Bucks
Application details are being finalized. Based on the DFS program page:
- Subscribe to email updates at dfs.wyo.gov/sunbucks — DFS sends program updates every Friday
- Check dfs.wyo.gov/sunbucks regularly for the application link and confirmed deadline
- For questions, contact Wyoming DFS at 1-800-457-3659 (DFS main line) or visit your local DFS office
Wyoming SUN Bucks is different from the summer food sites administered by the Wyoming Department of Education — children do not have to travel to a centralized site; benefits are provided on an EBT card for grocery purchases at any authorized SNAP retailer.
Summer Food Assistance Available Now While Wyoming SUN Bucks Finalizes
While Wyoming SUN Bucks details are confirmed, these resources are available right now:
Wyoming SNAP — Year-Round
Wyoming SNAP provides monthly food benefits year-round through the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS). Apply at dfs.wyo.gov or call 1-800-457-3659. Check Wyoming SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Wyoming.
Summer Food Service Program — Free Meals at Community Sites
The USDA Summer Food Service Program provides free meals to all children 18 and under at community sites across Wyoming — administered by the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE). No application, EBT card, or income check required at the site.
- Dial 2-1-1 — Wyoming 211 is available statewide
- Text “FOOD” to 304-304
- Visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites
Note: Wyoming is the most rural state in the lower 48 by population density. Summer meal sites may be limited in many areas. SUN Meals To-Go delivery and pickup options exist in some rural Wyoming communities — check the USDA site finder for availability.
WIC — For Families With Young Children
For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, infant, or child under 5. Check Wyoming WIC income eligibility.
Wyoming Food Banks
- Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies — serving multiple Wyoming counties; wyomingfoodbank.org
- Feeding America Mountain Plains — serving parts of Wyoming; feedingamerica.org
Dial 211 for the nearest food pantry in your area.
LIHEAP — Energy Assistance
Wyoming SNAP households automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements. Wyoming winters are severe. See LIHEAP energy assistance in Wyoming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wyoming have SUN Bucks in 2026?
Yes — Wyoming SUN Bucks is launching for the first time in summer 2026 after Governor Gordon signed Executive Order 2026-02 in April 2026. DFS is finalizing details with USDA FNS. Subscribe to updates at dfs.wyo.gov/sunbucks.
Why is Wyoming launching SUN Bucks by executive order rather than legislation?
The Wyoming Legislature blocked SUN Bucks funding in the state budget in March 2026 (a previous bill had also failed 34–25). Governor Gordon then issued Executive Order 2026-02 in April 2026 to fund and implement the program directly, bypassing the legislative process.
How many Wyoming children are eligible?
Approximately 32,000 Wyoming children qualify for free and reduced-price lunch — Wyoming DFS’s estimate of eligible children for the program.
When will Wyoming SUN Bucks application details be available?
DFS is working with USDA FNS to finalize program details. Subscribe to weekly email updates (sent every Friday) at dfs.wyo.gov/sunbucks to be notified when application information is published.
Where can Wyoming families find summer meals right now?
The Summer Food Service Program provides free meals at community sites statewide — dial 211, text “FOOD” to 304-304, or visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites. Wyoming SNAP also continues year-round.
For the complete Summer EBT national overview, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your Wyoming SNAP eligibility, use the food assistance eligibility tool.