The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is calling on schools and community organizations to step forward as sponsors for the 2026 NC Summer Nutrition Programs. The initiative is aimed at providing free meals and snacks to young people under 18, with a particular focus on rural, Indian Tribal Territories, and regions with high numbers of migrant farmworkers. According to a statement from the NCDPI, Rachel Findley, NCDPI’s Senior Director of School Nutrition and Auxiliary Services emphasized, "When school is out, Summer Nutrition Programs offer children not only nutritious meals, but also educational enrichment to help children succeed in and out of the classroom," as mentioned on the NCDPI website.
These summer programs are a continuation of the essential food services that over 850,000 students depend on during the academic year. They include the School Breakfast, School Lunch, and Afterschool Meals Programs. It is during the summer months that this issue is most pressing; as schools shut down, these programs attempt to bridge that nutritional gap for children across North Carolina. Data from the NCDPI further clarifies that these community partnerships resulted in more than five million meals served last summer.
The SUN Meals provide in-person meal experiences in a group environment, which are offered at a variety of locations, including libraries, parks, and faith-based organizations. On the other side, the SUN Meals To-Go option caters to communities where access to such sites is challenging. This adaptable approach means meals can be picked up by an adult, delivered in batches, or even brought directly to neighborhoods or individual homes.
Sponsors interested in joining the summer nutrition effort have until March 1, 2026, to submit their applications. Prospective participants must navigate through a multi-step application process, which according to the NCDPI's call, ensures that all qualifying meals and snacks served to children are eligible for federal reimbursement. More information on the application process and program details can be found by visiting the NCDPI Summer Nutrition Program website or by contacting the NCDPI Summer Nutrition Program team directly.
In line with federal civil rights law, the USDA and the NCDPI assert a firm stance against discrimination in these programs. Facilities distributing the meals will do so without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. For those who require it, program information is available in alternative languages and formats. If necessary, discrimination complaints can be filed using the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, accessible online or by reaching out to the USDA directly.
