As of February 2026, Texas and Florida have officially opted out of the $120 SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program, joining 12 other states that declined federal funding.
These states primarily cited high administrative costs (estimated at $30M–$52M for Texas) and a decision to rely on existing SUN Meals (on-site) programs as the official reasons for non-participation.
While the $120 grocery cards will not be mailed, children 18 and under can still access free meals at thousands of community locations.
Why is Texas and Florida Not Participating in SUN Bucks? 2026 Participation Map :
The decision to opt out of a federal food program is rarely simple.
For the 2026 rollout, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) confirmed that while 36 states joined, 14 states and territories remain on the “Not Participating” list.
| Region | No SUN Bucks 2026 (States) | Estimated Child Impact |
| South | Florida, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi,Georgia, South Carolina | 7.5 Million |
| Midwest/ Plains | Indiana, South Dakota, Iowa (Under Review) | 1.2 Million |
| West | Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Alaska | 0.8 Million |
| Territories | Oklahoma (State level) and certain territories | 0.5 Million |
Data verified via the Official USDA State Participation Map.
How to Read This Table:
The Southern United States is the most affected region.
These figures represent children who qualified for free or reduced price meals during the 180 day school year but will not receive the supplemental $120 summer benefit because their state chose not to pay the required administrative fees.
Official HHSC and DCF Budget Reports:
Based on official budget reports from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF),
the decision was driven by long term fiscal constraints.
• The 50/50 Cost Split : Under federal rules, the USDA pays for 100% of the food, but states must cover 50% of the administrative costs (mailing cards, staffing call centers, and database upgrades).
• Texas Specifics: Officials reported that implementing a new distribution system would require $30 million to $52 million in upfront state funding.
According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), administrative hurdles were the primary factor.
• Florida Specifics: Florida authorities cited the $15 million+ cost and the complexity of federal strings attached to the program, choosing instead to focus on their existing state-funded infrastructure.
3 Legal and Free Food Alternatives for Texas Families
If you live in Texas and were counting on the $120 card, you must pivot to the SUN Meals program.
Research into the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) records shows that food assistance is still available through the Square Meals initiative.
1. SUN Meals (On-Site Dining):
Available at thousands of Texas schools and parks.
Use the Texas School Meal Finder to see locations.
2. Rural To-Go Meals:
In specific rural Texas counties, parents can pick up several days of meals at once.
Check with your local school district in April for Non-Congregate meal eligibility.
3. The 304-304 Hotline:
Text “FOOD” to 304-304 to get an immediate text with the nearest free meal sites in your specific Texas zip code.
How to Find Free Meal Locations Without SUN Bucks In Florida
Florida has consistently declined federal Summer EBT funds, choosing instead to rely on its established Summer BreakSpot network.
• Zero-Application Access: Unlike SUN Bucks, Summer Break Spot requires no application, no ID, and no proof of citizenship.
• Locating Sites: Florida parents can find over 5,000 free meal locations by visiting SummerBreakSpot.org.
• Standard Procedure: Under USDA 7 CFR 225, any child 18 and under can simply show up during meal times to receive a free, nutritionally balanced breakfast or lunch.
Tribal SUN Bucks Programs: Can Families in Opt-Out States Still Get the $120 Benefit?
One of the most overlooked parts of the 2026 participation map is the Tribal Loophole.
Even if a state government Says No recognized Tribal Nations can say Yes.
| Tribal Nation | Location | 2026 Program Status |
| Cherokee Nation | Oklahoma | Participating (Independent) |
| Seminole Tribe | Florida | Participating (Independent) |
| Choctaw Nation | Oklahoma | Participating (Independent) |
| Chickasaw Nation | Oklahoma | Participating (Independent) |
Research Fact: If you are a member of a participating Tribe or live within their jurisdiction, you may still receive the $120 benefit even if you live in Texas, Florida, or Oklahoma.
Contact your Tribal EBT office for direct application instructions.
SUN Bucks vs SUN Meals: What is the Real Difference for Parents in 2026?
Understanding the real difference between these two programs is crucial for families in non participating states.
| Feature | SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) | SUN Meals (SFSP) |
| The Benefit | $120 Grocery Card | Free Food Served On-Site |
| Application | Required in most cases | No Application Needed |
| Status in TX/FL | Not Available in 2026 | Available in Every Zip Code |
| Shopping | Walmart, Amazon, Aldi, etc. | Schools, Parks, Libraries |
Explanation: While “Bucks” provide flexibility for home cooking, “Meals” ensure that children have access to prepared food during the most vulnerable summer months when school cafeterias are closed.
The Iowa U-Turn : Will Texas and Florida Rejoin SUN Bucks in 2027?
The participation list is not permanent.
Policy research on the state of Iowa shows that participation is a yearly decision.
The Iowa Shift: Iowa initially opted out in 2024 but signaled a return for the 2026-2027 cycle after analyzing a 15% rise in summer food insecurity.
The Lesson for Texas/Florida : High public demand and future state budget surpluses could lead Texas or Florida to re – evaluate their decision for the 2027 summer season.
If my state opted out, do I still qualify for free school meals during the year?
Yes. Opting out of the summer card program has zero impact on the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Use the [SUN Bucks 2026 Income Limits] to ensure your school application is up to date.
Why did South Carolina and Alabama also decline the funds?
Official records indicate these states faced similar budgetary barriers to Texas, prioritizing existing nutrition programs over the new $120 EBT card system.
Does receiving SUN Meals affect my immigration status?
No. Under USDA rules, using SUN Meals (on-site food) is not considered a Public Charge. No ID or Social Security number is required to eat at these sites.
Official Verification & Data Sources
• Program Status: USDA FNS – Summer EBT Participation Map
• Legal Rules: Federal Register – Income Eligibility Guidelines 90 FR 11938
• State-Specific Data: All administrative cost figures and alternative program details are sourced directly from the respective State Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Agriculture official portals.
Disclaimer: This article is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with the USDA or any government agency. For official determinations, always contact your state’s Health and Human Services department or the official USDA website.