FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Moore Announces Record service and Investment in Combating Child Hunger Through Maryland SUN Bucks
ANNAPOLIS, MD – October 26, 2023 – Governor Wes Moore today highlighted the success of the Maryland SUN Bucks program, which provided a record $72.5 million in benefits to over 604,000 students this past summer,ensuring continued access to nutritious meals when school is out of session. The program, a partnership between the Maryland department of Human Services, the Maryland State Department of Education, the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, and the United States Department of Agriculture’s food and Nutrition Services, represents a significant step in the state’s efforts to combat childhood poverty.
SUN Bucks provides $40 per student each month during June, July, and August – totaling $120 per student – on Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.Notably, 98% of recipients were automatically enrolled based on existing eligibility for programs like SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance, free or reduced-price lunch, Medicaid, or out-of-home care.
“Maryland is taking a common sense approach to combat childhood poverty by making sure students have seamless access to nutritious meals over the summer,” said Maryland Department of Human Services secretary Rafael López. “Under Governor Moore’s leadership, more than 604,000 students received $72.5 million in SUN Bucks benefits as of August 31. We continue to move with urgency to remove barriers to vital benefits, and leave no Marylander behind.”
The SUN Bucks program has dramatically expanded its reach, serving more than six times more children than the summer SNAP benefits it replaced over the last two years. Benefits expire 122 days from the date they are added to the card.
families seeking more information or assistance can contact the SUN Bucks Hotline at 1-800-332-6347 or visit dhs.maryland.gov/sunbucks. Eligibility can be checked and applications submitted at MarylandBenefits.gov.
