Parents would be happy to hear that Summer Electronic Benefits to buy food for their school enrolled children will be rolling out this week.
Director of the Department of Human and Social Services Panisia Neueli announces that the Summer EBT, also known as SUN Bucks will be issued for students enrolled in public schools during the current school year, beginning on Wednesday, June 3.
Issuance of benefits for non-public and private school students will begin once enrollment data has been verified by the Department of Education (ASDOE).
The benefit has increased from $177 to $180 per student which is calculated at $60 per month for June, July, and August.
Director Neueli said, “Given that the standard benefit for the federal Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) program for 2026 in most States is $120 for each eligible student for the entire summer, which equates to $40 per month for June, July, and August, we are grateful for the increase that was approved for American Samoa for 2026. And, I am sure that any parent trying to keep the fridge and kitchen stocked during the summer will agree that every little bit helps.”
Although ASNAP has transitioned to EBT for the regular ASNAP benefits, the 2026 S-EBT benefits will be issued as paper coupons for the final time. Therefore, the parent or legal guardian listed as the “primary” on the student records verified by ASDOE will need to go to the ASNAP Office in Utulei as scheduled to pick up the 2026 S-EBT food coupons for their child(ren).
As with previous years, S-EBT, or SUN Bucks, is a benefit program that is available because DHSS and ASDOE apply for it by submitting a Plan of Operations Management (POM) to the USDA FNS.
American Samoa’s 2026 plan was approved on May 12 and over $2.6 million has been allocated to provide critical nutrition benefits for an estimated 14,464 students in American Samoa this summer.
Director Neueli added, “S-EBT, or SUN Bucks, is a federal and local preventive investment that helps ensure children remain healthy, nourished, and ready to learn when they return to school. By reducing food insecurity during the summer months, the program supports children’s physical health, academic readiness, and overall well-being while easing financial pressure on families.”
On behalf of ASDOE Director, Maefau Dr. Mary Taufete’e, the DHSS Director expressed appreciation to USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins and the FNS leadership for their continued support and assistance and also thanked Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and Lieutenant Governor Pulamataala Ae Ae, Jr., for their support of these and other initiatives that improve outcomes for American Samoa’s children and their families.
DHSS will issue an update as soon as the non-public or private school 2026 S-EBT food coupons can be picked up.
The last day to pick up S-EBT benefits is August 31, 2026. All S-EBT benefits or food coupons will expire on September 30, 2026.
The distribution will be by alphabetical order based on the first letter of the last name of the primary parent or legal guardian as it appears on the student’s official school record for the public school attended in the 2025-2026 school year.
