Summary
Thanks for participating in our SUN Bucks/Summer EBT awareness campaign! In this Outreach Kit, we’ll review how the program will work in Michigan this summer, share ready-to-use communication materials, and equip you to answer families’ questions.
We addressed common concerns and provided strategies to minimize confusion about Summer EBT benefits. Remember, clear messaging will help ensure families in your school community can access this important food assistance during the summer months. We’ve provided messaging options for social media and school emails, text and robocalls, so that you can easily plug messages into the platforms used at your school.
Audience
- Families who are eligible for SUN Bucks/Summer EBT, but don’t know about the program.
- Families who are eligible for SUN Bucks/Summer EBT, but don’t know they need to apply.
- Families who are eligible and automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks/Summer EBT, but don’t know about the program.
Strategy and key messages
The objective of our SUN Bucks/Summer EBT communications campaign is to spread awareness and drive action.
Our key messages are simple:
- SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is here to help feed your kids when school’s out!
- Some children will be automatically enrolled, while others need to apply.
- We encourage you to check to see if you’re eligible, and sign up if needed.
Eligible children in Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools are the most likely to not be automatically enrolled in Summer EBT, and therefore fall through the cracks. That’s why sharing these messages at CEP schools is especially important.
Based on findings from our 2024 Summer EBT campaign and focus groups with stakeholders across the country, we found that one of the most trusted voices for eligible families is schools. Therefore, we created this outreach kit to be delivered by schools and school staff.
Resources & Suggested Timeline
- School Staff Fact Sheet
- (4-5) Social media images with captions in English and Spanish
- (2) CEP emails in English and Spanish
- (1) Printable take-home flyer in English and Spanish
- (1) Robocall script for CEP schools in English and Spanish
- (1) Text message for CEP schools in English and Spanish
School Staff Fact Sheet
💡We’ve designed an info sheet to help educate your staff and trusted community members, to ensure they have all the information they need to support families at their schools and understand SUN Bucks/Summer EBT.
You can download this fact sheet and share it with staff who can help spread the word. This could include: Parent Resource Center staff, Parent Coordinators, Family Resource Officers, guidance counselors, Community School Coordinators and Directors, ESL staff, McKinney-Vento Liaisons, front desk staff, Child Nutrition Directors, staff involved in the Summer Meal programs, staff involved in school food pantry or food distributions, and school-based health center staff.
You can download this fact sheet and share it with staff who can help spread the word. This could include: Parent Resource Center staff, Parent Coordinators, Family Resource Officers, guidance counselors, Community School Coordinators and Directors, ESL staff, McKinney-Vento Liaisons, front desk staff, Child Nutrition Directors, staff involved in the Summer Meal programs, staff involved in school food pantry or food distributions, and school-based health center staff.
DOWNLOAD THE FACT SHEET HERE!
Social Media Content
Social Media Content
💡We’ve created five different social media images & captions to use over the next six months. Timing these messages will help to reach families in your communities right when they need them the most!
1. General awareness & eligibility
Image text:
SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is back! This program provides $120 of extra grocery benefits to families (like yours!) in our community.
Caption:
Need a little help with the cost of groceries when your kids are home for the summer? SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is for school-aged children in households who need it.
Learn more at bit.ly/MI-SummerEBT
Image text:
¡Vuelve SUN Bucks/Summer EBT! Este programa proporciona $120 adicionales en beneficios para comprar alimentos a familias (¡como la tuya!) en nuestra comunidad.
Caption:
¿Necesitas una pequeña ayuda con el costo de los alimentos cuando tus hijos están en casa durante el verano? SUN Bucks/Summer EBT es para los niños en edad escolar en los hogares que lo necesitan.
Más información en bit.ly/MI-SummerEBT
2. CEP ONLY: 2025 change notification
Image text:
Is your family already enrolled for SUN Bucks/Summer EBT? If you don’t use SNAP (FAP), TANF (FIP), or Medicaid (MA), you may be eligible too… You just need to apply. Find out today!
Caption
SUN Bucks/Summer EBT helps families with $120 in extra support for groceries for kids when school’s out! Most eligible families on SNAP (FAP or food benefits), TANF (FIP or cash assistance), or Medicaid (MA) are automatically enrolled, but others (like you!) may qualify too. You just need to apply. It’s quick and easy. Find out if you’re eligible and sign up today at bit.ly/MI-SEBT-eligibilitychecker
Image text:
¿Tu familia ya está inscrita en SUN Bucks/Summer EBT? Si tú no utilizas SNAP (FAP), TANF (FIP), o Medicaid (MA), puedes ser elegible también … solo tienes que inscribirte. Averígualo hoy mismo.
Caption
¡Summer EBT ayuda a las familias con $120 en apoyo adicional para comprar alimentos para los niños cuando terminan las clases! La mayoría de las familias elegibles en SNAP (FAP o Asistencia Alimentaria), TANF (FIP o Asistencia en Efectivo), o Medicaid (MA) son inscritas automáticamente, pero otras (¡como la tuya!) también pueden calificar. Solo tienes que solicitarlo. Es fácil y rápido. Averigua si calificas e inscríbete hoy mismo en bit.ly/MI-SEBT-eligibilitychecker
3. Program purpose & connecting the dots
Image text:
You’ve got options for healthy food this summer! SUN Bucks/Summer EBT and Summer Meals work together to help support families in our community
Caption:
SUN Bucks/Summer EBT works alongside other programs like Summer Meals to help make sure kids in Michigan are getting nutritious food all year round.
Have you made a plan for your summer meals?
🍎If you haven’t already received or signed up for SUN Bucks/Summer EBT, there’s still time! You can check your eligibility at bit.ly/MI-SEBT-eligibilitychecker
[optional: include info on local Summer Meals availability]
Image text:
¡Tienes opciones para alimentos saludables este verano! SUN Bucks/Summer EBT y Summer Meals trabajan juntos para ayudar a las familias de nuestra comunidad.
Caption:
SUN Bucks/Summer EBT trabaja junto con otros programas como Summer Meals para ayudar a asegurar que los niños de Michigan reciban alimentos nutritivos durante todo el año.
¿Has hecho un plan para tus comidas de verano?
🍎 Si aún no has recibido ni te has inscrito para SUN Bucks/Summer EBT, ¡todavía estás a tiempo! Puedes averiguar tu elegibilidad en bit.ly/MI-SEBT-eligibilitychecker
[Optional: include info on local Summer Meals availability]
4. Back-to-school push
Image text:
Don’t miss out on SUN Bucks/Summer EBT support. If you didn’t sign up over the summer, there’s still time!
Caption:
Welcome back to school! Didn’t get your SUN Bucks/Summer EBT benefits yet? It’s not too late!
You can apply for benefits for summer 2025 until August 31st. Eligible families will receive $120 per school-aged child.
Apply today at michigan.gov/MIBridges
Image text:
No te pierdas la ayuda de SUN Bucks/Summer EBT. Si no te inscribiste durante el verano, ¡aún estás a tiempo!
Caption:
¡Bienvenido a la escuela! ¿Aún no has recibido tus beneficios de Summer EBT? ¡No es demasiado tarde!
Puedes solicitar los beneficios para el verano de 2025 hasta el 31 de agosto. Las familias que califican recibirán $120 por niño en edad escolar.
Ingresa hoy en michigan.gov/MIBridges
5. Closing out + don’t forget to use your benefits!
Image text:
Are your SUN Bucks/Summer EBT benefits still on the shelf? It’s time to use them before they expire–and then keep your card for next year.
Caption:
🍎 Your SUN Bucks/Summer EBT benefits aren’t shelf-stable. After they are issued, they need to be used in 4 months, or they will expire. This means it’s the perfect time to stock up on favorites and try some new nutritious foods your kids will love!
🍊Once you’ve used your benefits, remember to keep your new Summer EBT card for next year.
Image text:
¿Aún no has usado tus beneficios de SUN Bucks/Summer EBT? ¡Es hora de utilizarlos antes de que se venzan–y guarda su tarjeta para el próximo año!
Caption
🍎 Tus beneficios de SUN Bucks/Summer EBT no son eternos. Después de que se emiten, tienen que ser utilizados en 4 meses, o se vencerán. ¡Esto significa que es el momento perfecto para abastecerte de tus alimentos favoritos y probar algunos alimentos nutritivos nuevos que a tus hijos les encantarán!
🍊Una vez que hayas utilizado tus beneficios, guarda tu nueva tarjeta de Summer EBT para usarla el próximo año.
CEP Schools: Messages & Materials
💡 We created specific messages and materials to use at CEP schools because it can be confusing to understand if children are receiving benefits automatically or need to apply. We want to work extra hard to inform these families! There are two email messages with guidance on timing of when to send them, text messages, robocall scripts, and a flyer that you can download and print.
CEP Email Content: English & Spanish
Email #1: Awareness and sign-up
English
Subject line: It’s time to sign up for SUN Bucks/Summer EBT!
Dear parents and families,
We’re reaching out to share important information about the SUN Bucks/Summer EBT program. It’s just one program that can help families access healthy food over the summer.
What is SUN Bucks/Summer EBT?
The program provides an extra $120 per school-aged child for groceries during summer break. Last year, this program helped over a million children in Michigan access nutritious food while they were out of school!
Check to see if you’re eligible for SUN Bucks/Summer EBT
Most eligible families receiving SNAP (FAP or food benefits), TANF (FIP or cash assistance), or Medicaid* (MA) are automatically enrolled, but others (like you!) may qualify too. Check here bit.ly/MI-SEBT-eligibilitychecker to see if you are eligible and need to sign up. It’s quick and easy.
Sign up for SUN Bucks/Summer EBT today!
You can sign up at michigan.gov/MIBridges (Scroll down to click on “Apply for Special Programs”)
SUN Bucks/Summer EBT works alongside other programs like Summer Meals to ensure children in Michigan have access to nutritious food year-round. If you have additional questions on Summer EBT, go to bit.ly/MI-SummerEBT, or call the Call Center at (833) 905-0028, option 2.
Email #2: Welcome back to school
English
Subject line: Don’t miss out on SUN Bucks/Summer EBT support for your kids!
Dear parents and families,
As we kick off a new school year, we wanted to make sure you don’t miss out on SUN Bucks/Summer EBT support. If you haven’t already received your SUN Bucks/Summer EBT benefits, eligible families can still sign up to receive $120 per school-aged child until August 31st. This extra food support can help your family as you adjust to the new school year routines.
Check to see if you’re eligible for SUN Bucks/Summer EBT
If you haven’t received SUN Bucks/Summer EBT benefits for your child and could use extra food support, check to see if you’re eligible: bit.ly/MI-SEBT-eligibilitychecker
Next, sign up for SUN Bucks/Summer EBT
If you’re eligible, you can sign up online at michigan.gov/MIBridges (or, a paper application is available at bit.ly/MI-SummerEBT under “Parent Resources”)
Once you sign up and are enrolled, keep an eye out for a Summer EBT Issuance Notice in your mailbox. Your SUN Bucks/Summer EBT benefits will arrive on a new Summer EBT card. If you have questions, go to bit.ly/MI-SummerEBT
Start the school year off right, with healthy grocery support from SUN Bucks/Summer EBT.
Email #1: Awareness and sign-up
Spanish
Subject line: ¡Es hora de inscribirse en SUN Bucks/Summer EBT!
Estimados padres y familias,
Queremos compartir información importante sobre el programa SUN Bucks/Summer EBT. Es sólo uno de los programas que pueden ayudar a las familias a acceder a alimentos saludables durante el verano.
¿Qué es SUN Bucks/Summer EBT?
El programa proporciona $120 dólares adicionales por niño en edad escolar para comprar alimentos durante las vacaciones de verano. El año pasado, este programa ayudó a más de un millón de niños de Michigan a acceder a alimentos nutritivos mientras no estaban en la escuela.
Consulta si eres elegible para SUN Bucks/Summer EBT
La mayoría de las familias elegibles recibiendo SNAP (FAP o Asistencia Alimentaria), TANF (FIP o Asistencia en Efectivo), o Medicaid* (MA) son inscritas automáticamente, pero otras (¡como tú!) también podrían calificar. Comprueba aquí bit.ly/MI-SEBT-eligibilitychecker para ver si cumples los requisitos y necesitas inscribirte. Es rápido y fácil.
¡Inscríbete en SUN Bucks/Summer EBT hoy mismo!
Puedes inscribirte a través de: michigan.gov/MIBridges (Scroll hacia abajo para hacer clic en “Solicita Programas Especiales!”)
SUN Bucks/Summer EBT trabaja junto con otros programas como Summer Meals para asegurar que los niños de Michigan tengan acceso a alimentos nutritivos durante todo el año. Si tienes preguntas adicionales sobre Summer EBT, visita bit.ly/MI-SummerEBT, o llama al Centro de Llamadas en (833) 905-0028, opción 2.
Email #2: Welcome back to school
Español
Subject Line: ¡No te quedes sin la ayuda de SUN Bucks/Summer EBT para tus hijos!
Estimados padres y familias,
Ahora que empieza un nuevo año escolar, queremos asegurarnos de que no te pierdas la ayuda de SUN Bucks/Summer EBT. Si aún no has recibido tus beneficios de SUN Bucks/Summer EBT, las familias elegibles todavía pueden inscribirse para recibir $120 por niño en edad escolar hasta el 31 de agosto. Este apoyo adicional para alimentos puede ayudar a tu familia mientras se adapta a las rutinas del nuevo año escolar.
Consulta si eres elegible para SUN Bucks/Summer EBT
Si no has recibido los beneficios de SUN Bucks/Summer EBT para tus hijos y te vendría bien una ayuda adicional para alimentos, comprueba si calificas: bit.ly/MI-SEBT-eligibilitychecker
A continuación, inscríbete en SUN Bucks/Summer EBT
Si eres elegible, puedes inscribirte a través de michigan.gov/MIBridges (o, una solicitud impresa esta disponible en bit.ly/MI-SummerEBT, en “Parent Resources”)
Una vez que te hayas inscrito, espera a recibir un aviso de elegibilidad (Summer EBT Issuance Notice) en tu buzón. Tus beneficios SUN Bucks/Summer EBT llegarán en una nueva tarjeta de Summer EBT. Si tienes preguntas, visita bit.ly/MI-SummerEBT
Empieza con fuerza el año escolar, con la ayuda de SUN Bucks/Summer EBT para la compra de comestibles saludables.
CEP Take-home flyer: English & Spanish
Take-Home Flyer
💡You can print and send this these take-home flyers home with your students (we suggest printing as 5.5 x 8.5in), or share it digitally.
CEP Robocall Script: English & Spanish
English
Hello! This is an important message from your child’s school about signing up for SUN Bucks/Summer EBT support.
SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is back! This program provides $120 in extra grocery benefits to eligible families with school-aged children during summer break. Last year, it helped over one million kids in Michigan access healthy food over the summer.
Most eligible families will be automatically enrolled, but some will need to apply. Signing up is quick and easy. Check if you need to apply at bit.ly/MI-SEBT-eligibilitychecker
Thank you and have a great day.
Spanish
¡Hola! Este es un mensaje importante de la escuela de tus hijos sobre cómo inscribirse para el apoyo de SUN Bucks/Summer EBT.
¡Vuelve SUN Bucks/Summer EBT! Este programa proporciona $120 adicionales en beneficios de comestibles a familias elegibles con niños en edad escolar durante las vacaciones de verano. El año pasado, ayudó a más de un millón de niños de Michigan a acceder a alimentos saludables durante el verano.
La mayoría de las familias que califican serán inscritas automáticamente, pero algunas deberán solicitarlo. Inscribirse es rápido y fácil. Averigua si necesitas inscribirte en bit.ly/MI-SEBT-eligibilitychecker
Gracias y que tengas un buen día.
Text message content: English & Spanish
English
SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is back! Are you already signed up?
At your child’s school, unless you’re receiving SNAP (FAP or food benefits), TANF (FIP or cash assistance), or Medicaid (MA), you may need to sign up for SUN Bucks/Summer EBT. Here’s the deal:
SUN Bucks/Summer EBT helps families with $120 in extra support for groceries for kids when school’s out! Most eligible families are automatically enrolled, but others (like you!) may qualify too. You just need to sign up. It’s quick and easy. Find out if you’re eligible here bit.ly/MI-SEBT-eligibilitychecker
Then, if you’re eligible, apply today at michigan.gov/MIBridges
We’re here to help answer questions, just ask!
Spanish
¡Vuelve SUN Bucks/Summer EBT! ¿Ya estás inscrito?
En la escuela de tus hijos, a menos que estés recibiendo SNAP (FAP o Asistencia Alimentaria), TANF (FIP o Asistencia en Efectivo), o Medicaid (MA), es posible que necesites inscribirte en SUN Bucks/Summer EBT. De esto se trata:
¡SUN Bucks/Summer EBT ayuda a las familias con $120 dólares adicionales de ayuda para los alimentos de los niños cuando se acaban las clases! La mayoría de las familias que califican son inscritas automáticamente, pero otras (¡como la tuya!) también pueden calificar. Solo tienes que inscribirte. Es fácil y rápido. Averigua si calificas aquí bit.ly/MI-SEBT-eligibilitychecker
Si eres elegible, inscríbete hoy en michigan.gov/MIBridges
Estamos a tu disposición para resolver cualquier duda, ¡pregúntanos!
