The Greater Chicago Food Depository encourages families to check the new Summer EBT screener to see if their children already qualify and are enrolled in Summer EBT, a federal nutrition program that provides families with $120 per eligible child to purchase groceries when school is closed. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has begun accepting applications for this year’s Summer EBT program, also known as SUN Bucks, for those who aren’t automatically enrolled. Benefits will be issued starting in May.  Most eligible households will receive benefits automatically, but some households will need to apply. This program helps thousands of students in Illinois who rely on free or reduced-price meals offered during the school year but lose access to this important source of nutrition in the summer. Last year, Summer EBT provided benefits to more than 1.2 million children in Illinois for the first time, including five children in the Vergara family. Learn more about Summer EBT benefits and additional summer food programs available at wegotyouillinois.org. Find the Summer EBT screener at abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal.