Summer is here and we want to share some resources for our Phoenix Families to help make sure that every student has access to healthy food and is able to feed their bodies and minds well this summer! Check out the resources below:
SUMMER FOOD RESOURCES
HCPSS Summer Meal Program: HCPSS will offer its free summer meal program weekdays June 23-Aug. 1 (except July 4) from 12:30-2 p.m. at locations across Howard County. Open to all HCPSS students and any children ages 18 and under, there are no applications, enrollment or fees to participate in this program, however children must be present to receive free meals. Free meals also will be provided to all students participating in HCPSS summer programs.
Maryland SUN Bucks - helps families with school-aged children who receive free or reduced-price meals buy groceries during the summer break when school meals are unavailable. Families who qualify for the Maryland SUN Bucks program will receive $40 for June, July, and August (a total of $120) for each eligible student. Find out if your household qualifies and will be automatically enrolled or if you will need to apply. Click here. If you have any questions, call 1-800-332-6347 and select the Maryland SUN Bucks option.
Homewood Pantry - Homewood will also be offering monthly food support for families. If you would like to learn more about how to access this FREE resource for Homewood Center Families complete this google form and a staff member will be in touch.
Howard County Food Connection Map - The Howard County Food Connection Map is an interactive tool to help you find low-cost, accessible food and nutrition resources in the County. Click here to find resources near you.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
211 Maryland - 211md.org/ or call 211
Find help with food, housing, utility assistance and other essential health and human services in Maryland.
CAREAPP - www.findhcresources.org/
Find services for food, health, housing, transportation, education, employment assistance, and more in Howard County.
Grassroots Crisis Intervention - www.grassrootscrisis.org/ or call 410-531-6677
Free, 24-hour access to quality behavioral health, crisis intervention and homeless services to individual and family consumers in need.
Housing Resources - If you are going through a hardship, an immediate housing crisis, or are at risk of becoming homeless, do not hesitate to ask for help. There are resources and programs designed to support Howard County families in times of need. Here is a compiled list of helpful links to Community resources for students and families in Howard County.
HoCo RapidRide - Howard County's new on-demand rideshare service offering fast and convenient transportation along the Route 1 Corridor, including parts of Elkridge, Hanover, Columbia, and Jessup. Rides are just $2 per trip and are free for Howard County public school students, Howard County Community College students, and seniors 60+ with valid ID. Service operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Download the HoCo RapidRide app to book your ride, or call 443-348-9572 for assistance. https://city.ridewithvia.com/rapidride
HCPSS Free Student RTA Bus Pass Program - Thanks to a continued partnership between HCPSS, Howard County Government, and Regional Transportation Agency (RTA), all HCPSS middle and high school students have access to free RTA bus passes through summer 2025. Students have full access to the RTA system and are not limited to transportation to and from schools or to school-related activities. For more information on RTA and detailed schedule information, please call 1-800-270-9553 or visit Transit RTA.
*Community programs are not sponsored or endorsed by HCPSS