HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — Parents and guardians have until Aug. 30 to apply for the Virginia SUN Bucks Program.

The program is available to eligible families in Virginia with income that meets a certain threshold. Most families have automatically received the benefit who are enrolled in programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF(Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or have Medicaid-based income.

The money can be used to buy food at most grocery stores and farmer’s markets in Virginia.

“The benefits have gone out automatically for the bulk of families,” said Sarah Steely, No Kid Hungry Virginia director. “But for those who need to apply, those who aren’t participating in SNAP or TANF, or maybe attend a school where they don’t collect applications for free and reduced school meals because all of the kids just get free meals automatically, those families need to apply.”

You can mail a printed application to 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060 or apply by phone with the Virginia Department of Social Services at 866-513-1414. If approved, your family will receive a one-time installment of $120 per child. Please note, this is for eligible school-aged children. The payment comes in the form of an electronic benefit transfer card. 

While there is no specific date as to when families who are approved this month will receive the funds, a program representative says they can expect it to arrive in September.

You can find more details about the program at www.virginiasunbucks.com.