North Carolina -- January 22, 2026: To combat childhood hunger in western North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is seeking sponsors for the 2026 Summer Nutrition Programs. The initiative aims to bridge the gap in food access for children during the summer months when school is out, ensuring their continued growth and well-being through nutritious meals and enrichment activities.
Program Overview
The Summer Nutrition Programs include SUN Meals, which provides prepared meals, and SUN Bucks, the Summer EBT program funded by the USDA. These programs are designed for youth ages 18 and under, combining nutritious meals with educational enrichment.
The NCDPI is prioritizing rural areas and tribal territories, as these regions often face the most significant challenges in accessing food. Summer meal access is especially critical, given that over 850,000 North Carolina K-12 public school students rely on school nutrition programs during the academic year.
Fueling Our Kids All Summer Long Nutritious food is a right, not a privilege, and NC’s SUN Meals initiatives are making that a reality. By collaborating with local public and private partners, the NCDPI helps distribute over five million meals annually to youth who might otherwise go without.
In our region, the SUN Meals To-Go option is particularly vital, overcoming the transportation challenges often found in Western North Carolina by bringing food directly to neighborhoods or allowing for multi-meal pickups. For those closer to town, SUN Meals sites at local libraries and community centers provide a safe space for kids to eat and learn together. These programs are open to all eligible children, ensuring that every family has the support they need during the summer break.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Public school units, charter schools, non-public schools, and public and private nonprofit organizations are eligible to become sponsors. Sponsors will receive federal reimbursement for qualifying meals and snacks served to children. The application deadline is March 1, 2026, and potential sponsors are advised to plan ahead due to the multiple steps involved in the application process.
The Summer Nutrition Programs play a vital role in supporting the health and development of children in western North Carolina. By providing access to nutritious meals and enrichment activities during the summer, these programs help to ensure that children return to school ready to learn and succeed.
SUN Meals are in-person meals eaten in a group setting. Meals or snacks are served at locations such as public housing centers, faith-based organizations, libraries, parks, camps, medical centers or schools. In addition to meals, sites can offer fun, engaging educational activities. SUN Meals To-Go are meals offered for pick up or delivery in some rural communities where transportation to summer meal sites can be difficult. How SUN Meals To-Go are distributed vary by sponsor and may include meals picked up by a designated adult, multiple meals provided at once or meals delivered to neighborhoods or homes. Meals are served at all sites to eligible children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
Sponsor applications for NC Summer Nutrition Programs are due March 1, 2026. Potential sponsors are advised to plan ahead as the application involves a multi-step process for completion and approval. To learn more about NC Summer Nutrition Programs and how your organization may become involved in providing summer meals to youth in your community, please visit the NCDPI Summer Nutrition Program website or contact the NCDPI Summer Nutrition Program team.
WNCTimes