MDHHS kicks off Summer EBT program to fight hunger gap many children face during summer break

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) announce the continuation of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, also known as SUN Bucks, to help ensure children have access to healthy food this summer.

Food insecurity rises during the summer when children and teens who participate in school lunch and breakfast programs lose access to these nutritious meals. Maintaining proper nutrition during the summer months supports cognitive development, helping bridge the achievement gap that can widen during extended breaks from school. SUN Bucks help bridge that gap by providing $120 in grocery benefits per eligible school-age child when school is out for summer.

"Michigan children need consistent access to nutritious food to grow, learn and thrive," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "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 funding for nutritious food, addressing one of the key social determinants of health - food insecurity."

Most families eligible for these benefits receive them automatically thanks to state agencies collaborating to identify kids who qualify based on participation in other benefit programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or the free or reduced-price meal programs at their school.

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

• Children ages 6 to 18 who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid benefits between July 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026, will be automatically enrolled. Medicaid recipients' income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
• Students who fill out a Nutrition and Education Benefits Application and are approved to get free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.
• Those who are approved through the summer EBT application process.

  Children who are not automatically enrolled may still be eligible for SUN Bucks. To qualify, a child's household must meet certain income limits and other requirements. More information on the SUN Bucks program, including detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions, can be found on the MDHHS Summer EBT webpage.

  Summer EBT program overview:

• Benefit amount: Eligible families receive $120 per child equating to $40 per month for June, July and August 2026.
• Usage: Benefits can be used to purchase a variety of nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products and more at participating retailers.

How will families receive the benefits?

• Summer EBT benefits are issued on an EBT/Bridge Card. Families do not need a separate card for Summer EBT.
• Families who received Summer EBT in 2025 will have benefits loaded to the card used for those benefits.
• If a child is on an active SNAP or TANF case, benefits will be added to the family's existing Bridge Card.
• If a child qualifies through Medicaid income and is not on an active SNAP or TANF case, all eligible children in that household will be loaded onto one Bridge Card in the head of household's name.
• Families who have a SNAP or TANF Bridge Card, but are not currently receiving SNAP or TANF, will not have Summer EBT benefits loaded to that card. They will receive a new Bridge Card in the mail.
• Other eligible students who do not already have a Bridge Card available for Summer EBT will receive a new Bridge Card in the mail.
• Families who no longer have the card used for Summer EBT or who need a replacement card for any reason should call 833-905-0028 and select option 2. Please note there is a $1 replacement fee required by state law.
• Families should keep their Bridge Card in a secure location after benefits are used. Cards issued for Summer EBT can continue to be used for future summer benefit issuances.

Important 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.
• Mailing address: When a Summer EBT card is mailed, MDHHS is required to use the address on record with MDE. If a family has recently moved, they should contact their child's school to update their information.
• Fraud alert tip: MDHHS will never ask for your bank account information over the phone outside of a scheduled interview appointment. If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from MDHHS who requests this information, hang up immediately and file a complaint here.

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 to help 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.