TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Tuesday announced record funding for Summer SNAP for Children, a program helping low-income families put food on the table for school-age children during the summer months when they don’t have access to school breakfast and lunch. As a result of nearly $2.8 million in contributions from the State and County, the program will serve nearly 28,000 children this year.

“Every child—everywhere—deserves daily access to fresh, healthy foods,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We are grateful for the state’s generous contribution to this important program, which along with local funding will ensure our young people have access to quality food throughout the summer.”

Maryland’s Summer SNAP for Children, which began in 2020, provides an additional $30 in food support per eligible child during the summer months of June, July and August, and $10 over the winter break in December. Last year with a limited program, Baltimore County served 466 children experiencing homelessness through Summer SNAP.

This year, $1,222,760 from Baltimore County combined with $1,556,240 from the state will provide supplemental benefits for nearly 28,000 eligible children between the ages of seven and 18.

Families already registered in the SNAP program do not need to take action to receive this benefit; additional monthly benefits for enrolled children between the ages of seven and 18 will be automatically credited to users’ EBT cards. Families not currently receiving SNAP who believe they may be eligible are encouraged to apply via MyMDThink.Maryland.gov, or visit the Baltimore County Department of Social Services.

The United States Department of Agriculture piloted similar programs to Summer SNAP between 2011 and 2016 and found a significant reduction in child food insecurity and increased consumption of healthier foods, particularly whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. A 2019 study by Towson University concluded that each dollar spent on Summer SNAP creates $1.18 in economic activity, and that an increased state investment from $200,000 to $2 million would create a 13 percent increase in jobs and 7 percent increase in economic output.

In addition to Summer SNAP, summer meals will be provided at Baltimore County Public Library, Baltimore County Public Schools, and the Maryland Food Bank.