As summer quickly approaches, many families across North Carolina will face a harsh reality: school meal programs pause and food insecurity spikes among families and children. That’s why SUN Bucks, a program that provides a $120 federal grocery benefit per eligible child, is a lifeline for North Carolina families.
Right now, North Carolina policymakers have an extraordinary opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of its children by again funding SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, this year and beyond.
Traditional summer meal programs, while valuable, reach only a fraction of eligible families due to a variety of barriers. Many families face logistical challenges like transportation, work conflicts, lack of nearby meal sites, and extreme summer weather. Limited hours of operation and the inconvenience of having to visit a specific location further contribute to the underutilization of the program, leaving many kids without consistent access to nutritious meals during the summer months.
Summer EBT works alongside traditional meal programs to reach kids with the nutrition they need during summer break and with 1 in 5 children in North Carolina facing food insecurity, it is more critical than ever to continue funding this program.
Last year, North Carolina’s participation in the program had a profound impact:
- 1.1 million children received much-needed food assistance.
- Families used benefits to purchase more protein, fruits, and vegetables, helping children stay healthy and well-nourished.
- The program brought over $130 million into North Carolina’s economy, benefiting food retailers and supporting small businesses in rural communities.
Investing in Summer EBT is an investment in North Carolina’s future. It ensures children have access to the nutrition they need to grow, learn and thrive. Without state action, thousands of kids could lose this essential support in the summers ahead.
North Carolina’s children deserve a strong start, and ensuring they have enough to eat in the summer is a step in the right direction.
