Michigan Children to Benefit from Summer EBT Program
An important initiative is set to provide approximately 1 million children in Michigan with $120 in food assistance during the summer months. This effort, led by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) along with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), aims to ensure that children continue to have access to nutritious meals when school is out.
During the summer break, many children and teens lose access to school-provided meals, leading to increased food insecurity. The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, also known as SUN Bucks, is designed to combat this issue by supplying eligible children with funds to purchase groceries. This initiative not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also supports cognitive development and helps reduce the achievement gap that can widen during long school breaks.
According to Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, “Michigan children need consistent access to nutritious food to grow, learn and thrive. 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.”
Eligibility and Enrollment
Families with eligible children often receive these benefits automatically. Eligibility is primarily determined through participation in existing benefit programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the free or reduced-price meal programs at schools. Children aged 6 to 18 who are part of SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Medicaid between July 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026, will also be automatically enrolled. Furthermore, students approved for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program are eligible.
For families not automatically enrolled, eligibility can be determined based on household income and other criteria. More information on applying for SUN Bucks can be found on the MDHHS Summer EBT webpage.
Program Details
- Benefit Amount: Each eligible child receives $120, divided as $40 per month for June, July, and August 2026.
- Usage: Benefits can be used for purchasing items like fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products at participating retailers.
Receiving and Using Benefits
- Benefits are issued on an EBT/Bridge Card, separate cards for Summer EBT are not needed.
- For those who received benefits in 2025, the same card will be used for the new benefits.
- Families with SNAP or TANF will have benefits added to their existing card; others will receive a new card by mail.
- Lost cards can be replaced by calling 833-905-0028, with a $1 replacement fee.
Important Reminders
- Expiration: Benefits must be used within 122 days. Unused benefits will expire and cannot be reinstated.
- Retailers: SUN Bucks can be used at any participating store or farmer’s market that accepts EBT.
- Fraud Alert: MDHHS will not ask for bank information over the phone. Report any suspicious calls here.
More information on the SUN Bucks program, including eligibility and application details, is available on the MDHHS Summer EBT page.
In addition to SUN Bucks, MDE also manages other programs to assist with child nutrition during the summer, such as the Summer Food Service Program and the Rural Non-Congregate Summer Food Service Program.
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