Goldsboro, N.C. — As summer begins and schools close their doors, North Carolina is stepping up to ensure children and teens continue to receive the nutrition they need. The NC SUN Meals Program is back, offering free meals and snacks to all youth aged 18 and under across the state through the summer break.
Administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) with federal support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the SUN (Summer Nutrition) Meals Program helps fill the gap left when school meal programs pause for summer. More than 900,000 North Carolina students rely on school meals during the academic year — SUN Meals ensures that support continues even when school is out.
Free Meals and More
Youth can enjoy meals together at participating schools, parks, libraries, playgrounds, public housing centers, and other community sites. In rural areas, SUN Meals To-Go may be available through pick-up or delivery options. These non-congregate meals may include multiple days’ worth of food distributed at once.
To find a local site:
- Visit: SummerMeals4NCKids.org
- Call: 1-866-3-HUNGRY (English) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish)
- Check your local school district’s website or social media
Beyond meals, the program offers enrichment activities like fitness games, nutrition education, and farm-to-summer learning experiences. Parents can follow #NCSummerMeals and mascot Ray F. Sun (@Ray4NCKids on social media) to learn about events and appearances in their community.
SUN Bucks Program Returns
In addition to on-site meals, families may also benefit from SUN Bucks (also known as Summer EBT). This program, managed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), provides a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child to help families buy groceries during the summer.
Most children who received free or reduced-price school meals during the school year will automatically qualify. For others, an application process is available online at ncdhhs.gov/sunbucks. Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025.
Supporting North Carolina’s Most Vulnerable Youth
NC SUN Meals Programs primarily serve economically distressed areas, helping to combat food insecurity during the months when children are most vulnerable. All activities support the program’s goals of food, fitness, fun, and farm-to-summer education.
The program also encourages schools and agencies to participate in the NC Farm to Summer Challenge, which includes serving local food, teaching about agriculture and nutrition, and participating in events like the #NCCrunch for Farm to School Month.
How to Get Involved
Organizations and volunteers interested in operating meal sites, offering activities, or supporting local efforts can contact the SUN Meals Team at:
summernutritionprogram@dpi.nc.gov
For additional information, visit the NCDPI Office of School Nutrition.
