Maryland
'Sun Bucks' summer grocery assistance program reached 583,000 low-income kids – Maryland Matters
A new summer nutrition program that one advocate called a “game-changer” reached 586,734 children this summer, 43,000 more than state officials had expected, according to recent numbers from the Maryland Department of Human Services.
But officials said there is still time to sign up for the program, and were encouraging families to do so before the Aug. 31 deadline, in order to get $120 per child for grocery assistance.
“Marylanders want to help fight childhood hunger,” Maryland Human Services Secretary Rafael J. Lopez said in a written statement. “Our Maryland SUN Bucks program represents the single largest investment Maryland has seen to help feed our children. We invite every eligible Maryland family to apply before August 31, 2024, to help families buy groceries this summer.”
Because Aug. 31 falls on a Saturday, the department said families will only have until 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, to submit their applications.
The federally funded program is aimed at closing the so-called summer hunger gap, when schools that provide free or low-cost meals to many children are closed. Under the Sun Bucks program, low-income and foster families can get $120 per child to help pay for the cost of groceries over the summer.
Ayesha Holmes, director of No Kid Hungry Maryland, says Sun Bucks has been a “game changer” for families in the state, and she wants to make sure all eligible families have an opportunity to get the Sun Bucks financial support before time runs out at the end of the month.
“Families are more hungry during the summer than the school year, because children have access to school meals and during the summer those meals are not available,” Holmes said. “So, this is an opportunity to make up that grocery budget, in a way that does not put so much strain on them.”
Just under 56% of the 893,241 student in Maryland public schools were on a free or reduced-price lunch program during the 2023-24 school year, according to data from the Maryland State Department of Education.
The issue of a summer hunger gap is not unique to Maryland.
‘Summer hunger gap’ comes with extra challenge of distance in rural counties
The SUN Bucks program, also referred as the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program, is one tool states can use to bridge the gap.
Maryland is one of 37 states and the District of Columbia that opted into the new program for summer 2024, along with five territories and the Cherokee and Chickasaw tribes. The program is run by the Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.
Holmes said that the Sun Bucks, in conjunction with other state programs and non-profit efforts to feed kids over the summer, “really helps to close that gap in the summer time.”
When Sun Bucks launched in June, Maryland officials anticipated the program would distribute about $60 million in federal funds to help 543,000 kids across the state. But as of this month, a little more than $71 million had been handed out to 586,734 children in the state, according to Department of Human Services, with the possibility of more families being added.
“Our original estimates were based on federal data. We are delighted that we are serving 586,734 children,” according to a statement from the department.
“We requested and were approved by the federal government for a total estimated direct federal benefits to families of $71.04 million. This increased federal investment comes at no additional cost to Maryland,” the statement said. “At the end of the summer, we will have final numbers.”
The program has cost the state about $5.8 million to implement, according to the department, but all the benefits payments come directly from the federal government.
About 90% of eligible Maryland families were automatically enrolled in Sun Bucks because they were alreeady in other benefits programs, like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), free or reduced-priced school meal programs, or temporary cash assistance. For families already on SNAP, the summer grocery funds are loaded onto their electronic benefits cards for that program.
“What we want to make sure is that, they’re able to get to the grocery store and stretch their own dollar,” Holmes said. “And it provides families directly on a debit card that they can use at the grocery store, or even farmers markets and local markets that accept them.”
Families who are not enrolled in those program can still apply for Sun Bucks if they meet the income qualifications at the Department of Human Services website.
“So it’s totally worth it, and even if people miss the deadline for this year, they’re just enrolled for next year. So go ahead and get it done,” Holmes said.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region.
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals’ first-round draft pick Chris Hacopian inked his first professional contract Wednesday, a moment made sweeter by the fact it was just a 30-minute drive from home to get to Nationals Park and put pen to paper.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region. He’s from Potomac, Maryland, and played his high school ball at Winston Churchill, where he was named the 2022 Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and a 2022 Washington Post All-Met selection.
According to MLB.com, Hacopian grew up a Nationals fan, admiring the likes of Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and others. He also played his first two collegiate seasons at the University of Maryland, where his father Derek played before him, before transferring to Texas A&M for his junior season.
With the Aggies, Hacopian hit .319 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI across 42 games en route to being named First-Team All-Southeastern Conference and a Third-Team All-American by Baseball America, the Nationals said in a news release.
After inking his contract Wednesday, Hacopian donned his new jersey and ball cap and stepped onto D.C.’s beloved diamond as a part of the Nationals organization for the first time.
“That was so cool, oh my gosh. I’ve been in the stands like, 100 times, but being on the field is so different,” he said.
Hacopian was ranked 14th among MLB Draft prospects by MLB.com. The 6-foot-1-inch, 210-pound second baseman boasted one of the best bats in college baseball, according to MLB.com, with excellent control over the strike zone and feel for the barrel, along with solid pop.
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The state said the five recently traveled together to “a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak.”
Maryland health officials confirmed five more measles cases, all in Carroll County.
“These individuals recently traveled together to a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak,” the state Department of Health said in a release.
The agency said others may have been exposed on the afternoon of July 13 in the emergency department waiting room at Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster.
Another measles case recently prompted warnings from health officials in Maryland, Virginia and the District. On June 17, a Maryland resident traveled through Dulles International Airport and visited a D.C. urgent care clinic.
Measles is highly contagious. It can spread through the air through coughs, breathing, and sneezes. Early symptoms can include fevers of over 101 degrees, coughs, runny noses, watery eyes and face or body rashes.
It can take up to 21 days after exposure for the first symptoms to appear, and those who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles are especially vulnerable.
The five new measles cases in Maryland bring the state’s year-to-date total to nine. The state health department confirmed three cases in 2025, and one in each of the previous two years.
“All Marylanders should review potential exposure times, watch for symptoms, and confirm they are up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations,” the health department said.
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Baltimore may be under an extreme heat alert, but residents can dream about autumn, as tickets are now on sale for the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show returning to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in October.
This three-day celebration of home and garden takes place from Friday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Expect hundreds of exhibitors, local makers, home improvement experts, family-friendly experiences and celebrity guests. The show offers everyone the chance to explore the very latest in home improvement, landscaping, outdoor living and decor, the chance to take part in hands-on experiences, and do some holiday shopping all under one roof.
This year’s show will have more than 300 exhibitors, including more than 100 crafters from around Maryland in the Makers Market. There will be unique exhibits, stage presentations and a special appearance by Chase Morrill, Ashley Morrill-Eldridge and Ryan Eldridge from Magnolia Network’s hit series “Maine Cabin Masters.” The three will have two Main Stage appearances, one on Friday, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. and the second on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12 p.m.
“As temperatures start to drop and the holiday season comes into view, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show is a place to gather ideas, meet local experts and get inspired before the busy season begins,” said Dave Paul, show manager, in a statement. “Whether attendees are planning a home project, looking for outdoor living ideas or getting a head start on holiday shopping, the show brings together resources and experiences for every kind of homeowner, maker and DIY enthusiast.”
In addition to the Makers Market and stars of “Maine Cabin Masters”, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show will have a petting zoo, a Kids Market where attendees can shop from local children, and much more.
Tickets are available online and at the door. Prices are as follows:
Online:
- Adults: $8
- Senior Citizens (60+): $6
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- 4-Pack Online: $30 for four tickets, valid for one admission each and one day only
At the door:
- Adults: $10
- Senior Citizens (60+): $8
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- Friday & Saturday: $4 after 4 p.m. at the door only
Special Offers:
- Active and retired military personnel, veterans, firefighters and police officers receive free admission all weekend, along with one guest, with valid ID at the box office.
- Attendees who show a CharmPass app, Light RailLink ticket or eligible transit pass at the box office receive free admission any day of the show. One admission is available per pass.
The Maryland State Fairgrounds is located at 2200 York Road in Lutherville-Timonium.
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