ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND — Maryland's SUN Bucks summer grocery program served more than 600,000 students for the third year in a row, Gov. Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) said Oct. 2. As of Sept. 30, the 2026 program had delivered more than $72.2 million in grocery benefits to 602,582 students across all 24 Maryland jurisdictions, which include Talbot County.
For families who got the benefit, the date that matters now is the expiration. SUN Bucks benefits stay active on an EBT card for 122 days from the date they were issued, and DHS says expired benefits cannot be reissued. Families with balance, card or eligibility questions can call 1-800-332-6347 and select the Maryland SUN Bucks option.
| Maryland SUN Bucks 2026 | Record |
|---|---|
| Students served (as of Sept. 30) | 602,582 |
| Benefits delivered | More than $72.2 million |
| Jurisdictions | All 24 |
| Benefit per eligible student | $40 for each of June, July and August ($120 total) |
| Benefits expire | 122 days after issuance |
The state said the 2026 program generated up to $108.3 million in economic impact for local grocery stores and retailers. DHS ran its first campaign urging families to spend benefits before they expire, and Maryland reached a 75% redemption rate 30 days faster than last year, the release said.
"By delivering grocery benefits to families, we're utilizing every tool to address nutritional gaps school children experience during the summer months and further our work in tackling childhood hunger," Moore said.
The release does not break out Talbot County totals. Balances and program details are on the DHS SUN Bucks page.
Source: Office of Gov. Wes Moore
Drawn from public records; drafted with AI and edited by Peter Gorman before publication.
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