How Maryland’s Summer Program Is Feeding a Record Number of Students

Maryland SUN Bucks Program Sets New Record in Fight Against Summer Hunger.Maryland’s SUN Bucks program shattered all previous records this summer. The initiative provided crucial food aid to over 604,000 students. This effort represents the state’s largest-ever investment in combating child hunger during the summer months.Governor Wes Moore announced the milestone this week. The program’s success is largely attributed to its streamlined, automatic enrollment system. This approach ensured benefits reached families who needed them most without bureaucratic delays.

Automatic Enrollment Fuels Unprecedented Reach

The program distributed a total of $72.5 million in benefits. This funding provided a direct lifeline to families across all 24 Maryland jurisdictions. According to state data, the number of children served increased by 18,000 compared to the previous summer.A staggering 98% of recipients were enrolled automatically. This system bypassed the need for complex applications. Eligibility was determined through participation in other assistance programs like SNAP or free school lunch.Each eligible student received $120 for the summer. The funds were distributed as $40 monthly payments on an EBT card. This allowed families to purchase nutritious food from authorized retailers.

A Decisive Shift in Combating Childhood Food Insecurity

State officials hail the program as a common-sense solution. It effectively bridges the nutrition gap when school is out. The current program now reaches over six times more children than the previous summer food aid system it replaced.The impact extends beyond immediate hunger relief. Reliable access to food helps children return to school healthier and ready to learn. This strategic investment is seen as a critical component in the broader effort to reduce childhood poverty in Maryland.

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The Maryland SUN Bucks program demonstrates a highly effective model for addressing seasonal hunger. Its record-breaking year signals a major step forward in ensuring no child in the state goes without essential meals during the summer break.

Thought you’d like to know

Who was eligible for the SUN Bucks benefits?

Eligibility was largely automatic. It included students already receiving SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance, free or reduced-price school meals, or Medicaid. Children in out-of-home care were also eligible.

How much money did each student receive?

Each eligible student received a total of $120 for the summer. The benefit was distributed in three monthly installments of $40 each onto an EBT card for families to use at grocery stores.

How does this year’s participation compare to last year?

The program served 604,869 students this summer. That is an increase of approximately 18,000 children compared to the participation numbers recorded by the end of August the previous year.

What is the main reason for the program’s increased reach?

The automated enrollment process is the primary driver. By using existing data from other assistance programs, the state eliminated barriers and simplified access for hundreds of thousands of families.

Do the benefits expire?

Yes, the SUN Bucks benefits do expire. They remain available on the EBT card for 122 days from the date they are issued.