ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore announced that Maryland's Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program, known as Maryland SUN Bucks, served a record 604,869 students between June and August 2025—18,000 more than at the end of August 2024. The $72.5 million in SUN Bucks benefits administered marks the largest investment in combating childhood hunger during the summer months in state history.
“No child should go hungry. Over the last two years, Maryland SUN Bucks has helped bring that vision closer to reality,” said Gov. Moore. “SUN Bucks provided a critical lifeline to help more students than ever get the food they need to thrive this summer. Through initiatives like SUN Bucks we are tackling child poverty head-on and ensuring no Marylander is left behind.”
When school meals are unavailable during summer break, SUN Bucks puts food on the table for students across all 24 Maryland jurisdictions. Through 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, the SUN Bucks program uses an innovative direct certification approach and simple, online application to make it easier for more children to have the food they need to thrive during the summer months.
Rather than having to complete a separate application, 98% of Maryland SUN Bucks recipients were automatically enrolled. Automatically enrolled students include those already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP or Temporary Cash Assistance; students receiving free or reduced-price lunch; students enrolled in Medicaid; or students who are in out-of-home care. Families receive $40 per student on their Electronic Benefits Transfer cards during June, July, and August, for a total of $120 per student.
“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 continued growth of the SUN Bucks builds on the success of last year’s innovative program. Over the last two years, Maryland SUN Bucks have reached more than six times more children than the Summer SNAP benefits it replaced on average.
SUN Bucks benefits expire 122 days from the day they are added to the card. Families with any questions regarding SUN Bucks can contact the SUN Bucks Hotline at 1-800-332-6347.
To learn more about the Maryland SUN Bucks program, visit dhs.maryland.gov/sunbucks.
Marylanders can also check their eligibility and apply for benefits at MarylandBenefits.gov.
