MDHHS announces continuation of summer food assistance program

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is pleased to announce the continuation of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, also known as SUN Bucks, to ensure children have access to nutritious food while school is out.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service has approved Michigan’s plan for the Summer EBT program to help low-income families feed children over the summer months. MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) will partner together to get these benefits to families across the state.

“Summer is here, but hunger isn’t going anywhere,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud that we’re continuing our successful Summer EBT program so no child goes hungry between school years. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to tackle hunger, including our work to deliver free breakfast and lunch to all 1.4 million public school students, saving their parents nearly $900 a year in groceries and time every morning. While folks in DC keep trying to find ways to cut health care for Michiganders and food benefits for hungry families, here in Michigan we will keep taking action to make a real difference in their lives.”

“Michigan children and their families shouldn’t have to worry about going hungry over summer break,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Summer break is a time when many children lose access to the reliable meals they receive at school, placing them at risk of hunger and malnutrition. The Summer EBT Program, in addition to our other nutrition assistance programs, like WIC and SNAP, helps us close the summer hunger gap by providing every eligible child with nutritious food, addressing one of the key social determinants of health, food insecurity.”

“Children need nutritious food—both during the school year and over the summer—to maximize their opportunities in and out of school,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “Along with summer food programs administered by the Michigan Department of Education, MDHHS’s SUN Bucks/Summer EBT program contributes to Goal 3 in Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, to improve the health, safety and wellness of all learners."  

Benefits will come in the form of EBT cards that families can use to buy groceries. Families who already have a Bridge card will have a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child, the standard benefit amount set by the USDA for the 2025 program year, added to their existing card. Those who don’t already have a card will be sent a pre-loaded card in the mail. Eligible families will receive a letter about the program. Funds will be distributed starting May 2025. 

Program overview:

•          Benefit amount: Eligible families will receive $120 per child equating to $40 per month for June, July, and August 2025.
•          Usage: Benefits can be utilized to purchase a variety of nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and more, at participating retailers.

  Eligibility criteria:

  Children may be eligible for SUN Bucks if they meet any of the following criteria:

•          Children aged 6 to 18 who are recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid benefits between July 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, will be automatically enrolled. Medicaid recipients’ income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
•          Students of any age certified as eligible to receive free or reduced-priced lunch through the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.
•          Approved through the summer EBT application process.

Important usage information:

Expiration: Benefits must be used within 122 days of issuance.  Unused benefits will expire after this period and cannot be reinstated.

            Participating Retailers: SUN Bucks can be used at any store or farmer’s market that accepts EBT, including select online retailers.

For more information on the SUN Bucks program, including detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions, please visit the MDHHS Summer EBT page at Summer EBT.

Additional programs designed to feed children during the summer months include MDE-administered programs like the Summer Food Service Program, also known as Meet Up and Eat Up in Michigan, and the Rural Non-Congregate Summer Food Service Program, also known as Meals to Go.

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