How SUN Bucks Supports Families
For many Michigan families, school meals play an important role in helping children access consistent nutrition during the school year. When school breaks begin, however, that support can become harder to maintain. Michigan’s Summer EBT program (SUN Bucks) helps families purchase groceries for their school-aged children during the summer months.
School administrators and advisors can help ensure families know about this resource and where to learn more.
What Is SUN Bucks?
The SUN Bucks program provides grocery benefits to families with eligible school-aged children through June, July, and August. Each eligible child receives a total of $120 to purchase groceries, helping families offset food costs while school is out.
Benefits are distributed through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that can be used at authorized retailers, like other food assistance programs. Children who receive Summer EBT can still participate in other summer nutrition programs, such as community meal sites. The programs are designed to complement one another rather than replace existing supports.
Some eligible families will receive these benefits automatically, while others will need to complete an application.
Who Is Eligible?
School-aged children ages 6 to 18 may qualify for Summer EBT if they meet certain eligibility criteria. Students may qualify if they:
- Received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance or Medicaid at any time from July 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026.
- Are categorically eligible, including students experiencing foster care, homelessness, or migratory youth.
- Are approved for free or reduced-price school meals through direct certification or an approved Education and Nutrition Benefits Application.
- Attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch and/or National School Breakfast Program.
Why Programs Like SUN Bucks Matter
Even with summer meal program and community meal sites, many families face challenges accessing food consistently during the summer months. Child hunger remains a significant concern across Michigan. In 2023, more than 402,000 children in the state experienced food insecurity, representing over 19% of Michigan children. Food insecurity can affect students’ health, development, and their ability to focus and learn when school resumes.
During the school year, breakfast and lunch programs provide an important source of reliable nutrition for many students. When school is not in session, families often need to find additional ways to replace those meals.
While many districts operate summer meal programs, transportation barriers, work schedules, and limited site availability can make it difficult for families to participate regularly. Programs like SUN Bucks provide another option by allowing families to purchase groceries directly and prepare meals at home.
By supplementing existing summer meal programs, SUN Bucks helps ensure students have continued access to food even when school is out.
Helping Families Access the Program
Schools remain one of the most trusted sources of information for families. Administrators, advisors, and counselors can play a simple but important role in connecting families with available support.
Encouraging families to learn more about the program and determine whether they qualify can help ensure students continue to have access to nutritious food during the summer months.
Families can apply at SunBucksMI.com.