West Wake News

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is calling on schools and community organizations to participate as sponsors in the 2025 Summer Nutrition Programs. The initiative aims to provide educational enrichment and nutritious meals to children with limited access to food at home, ensuring their growth and well-being.

There is a particular focus on recruiting sponsors from rural areas, Indian Tribal Territories, and regions with many migrant farm workers, where transportation or access to meal sites has been challenging.

Rachel Findley, NCDPI’s Senior Director of School Nutrition and Auxiliary Services, emphasized the importance of these programs: “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.” She added that partnerships with schools and communities are essential in preventing child hunger during summer months.

In the previous summer season, NCDPI approved 175 on-site meal sponsors along with 33 for to-go services. These efforts resulted in over 4.2 million meals being served across North Carolina.

During the school year, nearly one million students benefit from School Breakfast, School Lunch, and Afterschool Meals Programs. When schools close for summer break, the Summer Nutrition Programs step in to provide free meals and snacks to young people aged 18 and under who might otherwise face hunger.

The programs—SUN Meals and SUN Meals To-Go—are managed by NCDPI's Office of School Nutrition with federal backing from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). They collaborate with various educational institutions and nonprofit organizations as program sponsors eligible for federal reimbursement for qualifying meals provided.

SUN Meals are consumed on-site at locations like public housing centers or parks. Meanwhile, SUN Meals To-Go cater to rural communities where reaching meal sites poses a challenge. Distribution methods include pick-up by adults or delivery directly to homes or neighborhoods. All meals are provided free of charge without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity), age or disability.

Interested organizations must submit sponsor applications by March 1, 2025. As this involves a multi-step process for approval, potential sponsors should plan accordingly. Further details about involvement can be found on the NCDPI Summer Nutrition Program website or through direct contact with their team.