Project Completion Date

Spring 5-8-2026

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Public Health

Community Partner

Just Harvest

Abstract

  1. Objectives: This project primarily seeks to identify the common barriers preventing vulnerable families from accessing the SUN Bucks Program. The SUN Bucks program is an optional program through the United States Department of Agriculture that works in conjunction with the state of Pennsylvania in order to provide school-aged children families with supplemental funds to supply greater nutrition during the summer months. This research supports the work of a local non-profit, Just Harvest, in order to better inform their advocacy and outreach efforts as they fight against food insecurity in Western Pennsylvania.
  2. Methods: All data was collected electronically via a survey that was distributed by Just Harvest to their email list, social media, and local social workers at Pennsylvania schools. The feedback collected from participants was analyzed for common themes to make recommendations to the Pennsylvania’s Department of Health.  These recommendations address barriers to the SUN Bucks program.
  3. Results: Our respondents, as users of the SUN Bucks program, reported issues regarding the program’s application process, communication procedures, and on final benefit delivery. This information is intended to inform Just Harvest outreach efforts and their advocacy.
  4. Discussion & Public Health Implications: The survey discovered that there are current barriers that impact participants’ ability to receive benefits. It was discovered that participants required greater communication about when benefits will be posted, especially during delay or late availability. It was also clear through the responses that participants require greater advertising due to unawareness of an application for the SUN Bucks Program.

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