Those lazy, hazy days of summer are a thing of the past! With summer meals programs and the advent of SUN Bucks, summer has been abuzz as efforts to ensure kids get the nutrition they need are activated everywhere. In North Carolina, state leaders have been on the move, advocating for child hunger relief at events and meal distributions far and wide. Here’s a brief round up of appearances:
In Forsyth County, State Representatives Kanika Brown and Jeff Zenger joined Carolina Hunger Initiative (CHI) team members and a number of staff and volunteers at Clemmons Middle School to distribute summer meals. Over 10,000 meals were distributed to families in three hours.
In Mecklenburg County, NBA legend Dell Curry and Executive Chef Scott Wallen joined forces to shop at the Uptown Farmers Market and cook up a delicious summer succotash breakfast bowl with some fresh summer produce. State Senator Caleb Theodros and State Representative Donnie Loftis were on the scene to help promote that not only can SUN Bucks grocery benefits be spent at farmers markets, but they can also be DOUBLED for twice their value!
In Johnston County, State Representatives Donna White, Howard Penny and Larry Strickland were joined by Superintendent of Johnston County Schools, Dr. David Pearce, CHI team members, and several representatives of Johnston County Schools to help distribute summer meals to students at Smithfield Selma-High School. Staff and volunteers distributed 31,808 meals to families and children during their 6-hour distribution.
“We love having our legislators in action, seeing policy on the ground level making a real impact for the members of their community,” said Marissa Spady, senior manager for No Kid Hungry North Carolina. “ When SUN programs work together, we all win!”
