Summer Nutrition
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ plan to provide food assistance to low-income families over the summer has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service.
$120/Child Loaded onto EBT Cards
According to MDHHS, “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.”
Usage
Benefits can be utilized to purchase a variety of nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and more, at participating retailers. SUN Bucks can be used at any store or farmer’s market that accepts EBT, including select online retailers.
Who Gets It?
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.
Benefits Expire If Not Used
Benefits must be used within 122 days of issuance. Unused benefits will expire after this period and cannot be reinstated.
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.
Story by Jennie McClelland for BlueWaterParent.com
All content of BlueWaterParent.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
