Mississippi does not participate in the SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program in 2026. Mississippi has declined to participate every year since the program launched in 2024 — leaving an estimated 324,000 Mississippi children without the $120-per-child summer grocery benefit available in 37+ other states.
Mississippi is one of the poorest states in the country, with among the highest child food insecurity rates nationally. Its continued opt-out of SUN Bucks is particularly impactful for rural communities where children have limited access to alternative summer meal sites.
Does Mississippi Have SUN Bucks or Summer EBT?
No — Mississippi has not participated in Summer EBT since the program launched in 2024. The SUN Bucks program is voluntary for states, and Mississippi’s Governor has declined to participate every year. Mississippi joins Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming as non-participating states in 2026.
According to the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), approximately 324,000 Mississippi children would qualify for SUN Bucks based on their eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals — but receive no benefit because the state has not applied.
Mississippi advocates, including Springboard to Opportunities and Mississippi Today, have urged the state to reconsider. Springboard to Opportunities launched its own private cash assistance program for families in Jackson in response to the opt-out, serving 672 children in summer 2024 — a fraction of the 324,000 who would qualify for federal SUN Bucks.
A noted barrier: Even Mississippi’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) — which provides free hot meals at community sites — has limited reach in rural areas due to transportation challenges. Families in rural counties often can’t access SFSP sites, making SUN Bucks — a grocery card usable at local stores — particularly valuable in Mississippi’s context.
Summer Food Assistance Available to Mississippi Families
1. Mississippi SNAP — Year-Round Through MDHS
Mississippi SNAP benefits continue year-round through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). Monthly food stamp benefits don’t stop in summer. SNAP is the primary ongoing food assistance program for Mississippi’s low-income families.
Mississippi SNAP is administered by MDHS. Approximately 877-882-4916 is the MDHS SNAP contact line.
- Apply online: mdhs.ms.gov/help/snap
- Phone: 1-877-882-4916 or ea.customerservice@mdhs.ms.gov
- In person: your local MDHS county office
Check your Mississippi SNAP balance and see Mississippi SNAP income limits. To apply, see how to apply for SNAP benefits in Mississippi.
2. Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) — Free Meals at Community Sites
The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free meals to all children 18 and under at community sites across Mississippi during the summer — administered by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE). Eligible sponsors include public and private nonprofit schools, local government entities, nonprofits, and colleges participating in National Youth Sports Programs.
Important limitation: Mississippi Today and advocates have specifically noted that rural Mississippi families often can’t reach SFSP sites due to transportation barriers. If you live in a rural county, check whether your area has a site before relying on SFSP.
How to find a summer meal site in Mississippi:
- Dial 211 — Mississippi 211 is available statewide
- Text “FOOD” to 304-304
- Visit mdek12.org/childnutrition/summer-food-service-program (Mississippi DOE)
- Visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites
3. WIC — For Families With Young Children
Mississippi families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, infant, or child under 5 may qualify for WIC. Mississippi WIC is administered through local county health departments by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
Check WIC income eligibility in Mississippi to see if your family qualifies.
4. TEFAP — Emergency Food Assistance
TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) provides commodity foods to low-income Mississippians through MDHS and a network of food banks. Mississippi MDHS partners with three organizations to distribute food:
- Mississippi Food Network — 440 W Beatty St, Jackson, MS 39201 | (601) 353-7286 | msfoodnet.org
- Mid-South Food Bank — 3865 S Perkins Rd, Memphis, TN 38118 | (901) 527-0841
- Catholic Social Community Services — 1450 North Street, Gulfport, MS 39501 | (228) 701-0155
TEFAP families qualify categorically if they receive SNAP, TANF, SSI, Medicaid, or CSFP. Families not receiving those programs may qualify based on self-declaration of household income below 185% FPL.
5. Mississippi Food Network and Local Food Pantries
The Mississippi Food Network (msfoodnet.org | 601-353-7286) is the primary statewide food bank network, distributing food through pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters across Mississippi. Many local pantries and faith-based organizations also distribute free groceries throughout the summer.
Dial 211 to find the nearest food pantry or food bank distribution near you.
6. Springboard to Opportunities — Jackson Cash Assistance
Springboard to Opportunities (springboardto.org) launched a private cash assistance program for families in Jackson specifically in response to Mississippi’s decision not to participate in SUN Bucks. The program served 672 children in summer 2024. Contact Springboard to Opportunities directly for 2026 program availability in Jackson.
7. LIHEAP — Energy Assistance
Mississippi SNAP households automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements for energy assistance. Mississippi summers are extremely hot and cooling costs are significant. See LIHEAP energy assistance in Mississippi for how to apply.
Mississippi’s Child Food Insecurity Context
Mississippi consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of child food insecurity in the country. The combination of rural geography, transportation barriers, and high poverty rates makes the SUN Bucks opt-out particularly impactful here:
- Rural access gap: Mississippi has extensive rural areas where children rely on SFSP sites that may not exist nearby. SUN Bucks would allow families to use the grocery store nearest them, bypassing the transportation barrier entirely.
- 324,000 eligible children receiving nothing: More children in Mississippi are missing SUN Bucks than the total number of children served by many other non-participating states.
- No reason given publicly: Mississippi’s Governor’s office has not publicly explained the specific reasons for opting out in each year.
To encourage Mississippi to join SUN Bucks, contact your state legislators or the Governor’s office at governorbryant.ms.gov, or reach out to advocacy organizations including the Mississippi Food Network and Springboard to Opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mississippi have SUN Bucks in 2026?
No — Mississippi has not participated in the SUN Bucks Summer EBT program since it launched in 2024. Approximately 324,000 Mississippi children who qualify receive no summer grocery benefit.
What can Mississippi families use instead of SUN Bucks?
Mississippi SNAP benefits continue year-round. The Summer Food Service Program provides free hot meals to children at community sites — though rural access is limited. Mississippi Food Network and local food pantries provide free groceries. TEFAP provides commodity foods through MDHS. Dial 211 for local resources.
How do I find a summer meal site in Mississippi?
Dial 211, text “FOOD” to 304-304, or visit mdek12.org/childnutrition/summer-food-service-program (Mississippi DOE’s SFSP page). Be aware that rural Mississippi has limited SFSP site coverage.
How do I apply for Mississippi SNAP?
Apply online at mdhs.ms.gov/help/snap, call 1-877-882-4916, email ea.customerservice@mdhs.ms.gov, or visit your local MDHS county office. See how to apply for food stamps in Mississippi for step-by-step guidance.
What is the Mississippi Food Network?
The Mississippi Food Network (msfoodnet.org) is the primary statewide food bank network distributing food through TEFAP and other programs. Call (601) 353-7286 or visit msfoodnet.org to find your nearest food pantry or distribution site.
For the national Summer EBT overview and participating states, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your Mississippi SNAP eligibility, use the food assistance eligibility tool.