SCHOOL & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Find connections to community resources for food assistance, emergency support, and other sources of help for for families on the HCPSS Family Resources and Supports Homepage. Additional services for residents in Howard County are available on the Howard County Government website.
SUMMER FOOD SUPPORT
- HCPSS Free Summer Meal Program - The Howard County Public School System's free summer meal program provides meals at no cost to any HCPSS students, as well as any children aged 18 and under. The program runs weekdays Wednesday, June 24-Friday, July 31, 2026. Meals will be served only on days schools are open and there will be no meal service Friday, July 3. There are no applications, enrollment or fees to participate in this program, however children must be present to receive free meals. Summer Meal Sites can be found here. Meal sites and pickup times are subject to change. Any changes will be noted on the webpage linked here.
- SUN Bucks - The Maryland Sun Bucks program is back for Summer 2026! Sun Bucks puts groceries on the table when school is out. Eligible children receive $40 per month, from June through August, to help offset food costs. Additional information is available by scanning the QR Code on the image or visiting https://dhs.maryland.gov/sunbucks/.
- Howard County Farmers Markets - Howard County offers farmers markets multiple days a week throughout the county, meaning that farm fresh produce is much closer than you think. Download this helpful guide to remember what seasonal items are available and the full farmers’ market schedule with market locations, dates and times.
HOMEWOOD CENTER'S PHOENIX PANTRY
As a Community School, Homewood Center serves as a resource to support student success. One way we do this is through the operation of our Phoenix Pantry. Due to limited supplies, Homewood Families can request support monthly using this form. Please allow 3-5 school days to fulfill an order and arrange pick-up/drop off. Contact Kelly Kesler, Community School Site Coordinator if you have a more immediate need. All items are subject to availability. At this time, we cannot stock items that require refrigeration.
Read more here about how you can help support the Phoenix Pantry.
FREE AND REDUCED MEALS
HCPSS participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, which provide families with significant benefits to help save money. Qualification is based on family size and income, and enrollment is confidential. All children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can get free meals regardless of income, and students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals.
Free and Reduced Meals eligibility provides discounts for summer programs, SAT, recreation programs, Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and internet programs. Other discounts are listed below. FARMs eligibility also may provide your school with much needed Federal funding.
Families must submit a new application every school year. Read more here.
HOMEWOOD LAUNDRY ACCESS
Did you know Homewood Center has a Washer & Dryer?
Need access or have questions? Email us here or stop by the Community Support Suite!
These resources are neither sponsored nor endorsed by HCPSS, but serve to extend resources for students and families.