Low-income families can get free grocery money

Don’t miss out: About 500,000 students are eligible for Maryland SUN Bucks, a new program that provides grocery benefits for kids when school is out of session. While most households automatically receive the benefit, some caregivers will need to apply by August 31.

Through SUN Bucks, eligible families receive a one-time installment of $120 per child on Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, which can be used for groceries like fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grain, dairy and meat.

The rollout of SUN Bucks will continue over the coming weeks.

“SUN Bucks helps connect kids with important nutrition, so they can return to school happy, healthy, and ready to learn,” said Ayesha Holmes, No Kid Hungry Maryland director.

“We’re thankful for the many state and nonprofit partners who worked hard to launch SUN Bucks in 2024. It is important that eligible families know about this opportunity and apply by August 31.”

For a child to receive SUN Bucks benefits automatically, they must participate in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid, or be determined eligible for free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program at their school.

Families must apply for SUN Bucks if a child did not apply for and receive free or reduced-price school meals or the household does not participate in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid based on income.

Some schools provide free meals to kids without an application. If a child attends one of these schools and they do not participate in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid, families should apply.

Families can check eligibility and find more information at https://dhs.maryland.gov/sunbucks/ . Paper applications are available to print out in Englishand Spanish on the website, and an online application is available at https://mymdthink.maryland.gov/home/#/sunbucks .