May 3, 2026
Maryland SUN Bucks: Summer Grocery Support for Families
When school is out for the summer, many families lose access to the daily breakfast and lunch their children rely on. That’s where Maryland SUN Bucks can help.
This program provides a one-time payment of $120.00 in extra grocery benefits to eligible children, helping ensure they continue to have access to nutritious meals during the summer months. Maryland SUN Bucks is offered through a partnership between the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS).
Important for Our Families (CEP Schools)
Our school participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which means all students receive free meals at school.
However, this does NOT automatically qualify your child for Maryland SUN Bucks.
If your household does not currently receive state benefits, you will need to apply to see if you qualify to receive SUN Bucks.
Who Is Automatically Eligible?
Your child may be automatically enrolled if they:
• Are ages 5–18 and part of a household receiving SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid
• Are in foster care (out-of-home care)
If your child is automatically enrolled, you will receive a notice from DHS by the end of June.
Who Needs to Apply?
You will need to submit an application if your child:
• Attends a CEP school and
• Is not receiving SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid
• Is not in foster care
A parent or guardian must apply and be approved for benefits.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you’re unsure whether your child qualifies or if you need assistance, call 1-800-332-6347 and select the Maryland SUN Bucks option.
Maryland SUN Bucks can help your family stay supported with groceries all summer long—don’t miss out if you need to apply!
Here are links to be able to check on the eligibility screener.
https://www.summerebt.org/ English
https://www.summerebt.org/es-us Spanish
Direct Link for SUN Bucks
https://dhs.maryland.gov/sunbucks/
When school is out for the summer, many families lose access to the daily breakfast and lunch their children rely on. That’s where Maryland SUN Bucks can help.
This program provides a one-time payment of $120.00 in extra grocery benefits to eligible children, helping ensure they continue to have access to nutritious meals during the summer months. Maryland SUN Bucks is offered through a partnership between the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS).
Important for Our Families (CEP Schools)
Our school participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which means all students receive free meals at school.
However, this does NOT automatically qualify your child for Maryland SUN Bucks.
If your household does not currently receive state benefits, you will need to apply to see if you qualify to receive SUN Bucks.
Who Is Automatically Eligible?
Your child may be automatically enrolled if they:
• Are ages 5–18 and part of a household receiving SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid
• Are in foster care (out-of-home care)
If your child is automatically enrolled, you will receive a notice from DHS by the end of June.
Who Needs to Apply?
You will need to submit an application if your child:
• Attends a CEP school and
• Is not receiving SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid
• Is not in foster care
A parent or guardian must apply and be approved for benefits.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you’re unsure whether your child qualifies or if you need assistance, call 1-800-332-6347 and select the Maryland SUN Bucks option.
Maryland SUN Bucks can help your family stay supported with groceries all summer long—don’t miss out if you need to apply!
Here are links to be able to check on the eligibility screener.
https://www.summerebt.org/ English
https://www.summerebt.org/es-us Spanish
Direct Link for SUN Bucks
https://dhs.maryland.gov/sunbucks/