Join the cause: Sponsor NC Summer Nutrition Programs in 2025
Learn how North Carolina’s summer meal program aims to feed students during school breaks through innovative partnerships and community outreach.
As summer approaches, North Carolina faces a critical challenge in ensuring children have access to nutritious meals when school cafeterias close their doors. With nearly one million K-12 public school students depending on school meal programs during the academic year, the state is launching an initiative to bridge the nutrition gap during the summer months.
North Carolina seeks partners for summer meal program expansion
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) has announced its search for schools and community organizations to participate as sponsors in the 2025 Summer Nutrition Programs. The initiative aims to reach children in underserved areas, particularly focusing on rural communities, Indian Tribal Territories, and regions with significant migrant farm worker populations.
Rachel Findley, NCDPI’s Senior Director of School Nutrition and Auxiliary Services, emphasized the program’s importance, stating, “Summer Nutrition Programs offer children not only nutritious meals but also educational enrichment critical for continued growth, development, learning and social emotional support when school is out. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.”
Program impact and implementation
The success of these programs is evident in 2024’s numbers, with 208 sponsors (175 on-site and 33 to-go meal providers) serving more than 4.2 million meals to children and teens across North Carolina. The program operates through two main channels:
- SUN Meals: Provides in-person meals in group settings at locations including public housing centers, faith-based organizations, libraries, and schools.
- SUN Meals To-Go: Offers pickup and delivery options in rural areas where transportation might be challenging.
How to become a sponsor
Organizations interested in becoming sponsors must submit applications by March 1, 2025. The program, administered by NCDPI’s Office of School Nutrition with federal support from the USDA, provides reimbursement for qualifying meals and snacks. All meals must be provided free of charge to eligible children, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Interested organizations can learn more by visiting the NCDPI Summer Nutrition Program website or contacting the NCDPI Summer Nutrition Program team.
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