BALTIMORE, Md., June 24, 2025 — The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) will relaunch the Maryland SUN Bucks program from June through August 2025, providing grocery benefits to families with students during the summer when school meals are unavailable. Following last year’s $72 million distribution to over 605,000 students, the program aims to combat childhood hunger with a streamlined process that automatically enrolls most eligible students.
Maryland SUN Bucks delivers $120 per eligible student over the summer, disbursed as $40 monthly payments from June to August. Students receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Medicaid, free or reduced-price school lunches, or those in out-of-home care are automatically enrolled. These families receive benefits on existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards or a dedicated white SUN Bucks card for each eligible student. Families not automatically enrolled can apply through a simple process at dhs.maryland.gov/sunbucks.
“While the federal government proposes more than $1 trillion in cuts that would take food off the dinner tables of Maryland families, we continue our vital work to combat childhood poverty,” said Secretary Rafael López. “As of June 18th, 579,751 students have received $23,190,040 in SUN Bucks benefits without having to apply. This investment in fighting childhood hunger is a model of government that prioritizes families and leaves no one behind.”
Last summer, Maryland’s SUN Bucks program marked the state’s largest-ever investment in addressing childhood hunger during school breaks, distributing $72 million. In 2025, the federally funded program, with Maryland covering half of administrative costs, continues to prioritize accessibility. As of June 18, 2025, nearly 580,000 students received over $23 million in benefits without needing to apply, reflecting the program’s efficient direct certification process.
To expand access to long-term nutrition support, DHS partnered with mRelief, a civic tech organization, to connect SUN Bucks recipients with additional benefits like SNAP. Through targeted text messages, mRelief directs families to mymdthink.maryland.gov, where they can complete a five-minute eligibility screener and apply for SNAP and other programs. This outreach aims to ensure families receive ongoing assistance beyond the summer months.
The program addresses a critical need when school meals are unavailable, helping families afford groceries during the summer break. Eligible households receive benefits directly on EBT cards for SNAP or TCA recipients, while others get a SUN Bucks card, ensuring flexibility and ease of use. Families needing to apply can find clear eligibility guidelines and instructions on the DHS website, making the process straightforward for those not automatically enrolled.
Maryland’s commitment to SUN Bucks reflects a broader effort to reduce childhood poverty and hunger, leveraging federal funding and innovative partnerships to maximize impact. The collaboration with mRelief underscores the state’s proactive approach to linking families with resources, ensuring both immediate and sustained support. As summer 2025 approaches, DHS encourages families to check eligibility and apply if necessary to access this vital benefit.
