{"id":756,"date":"2026-03-07T02:02:28","date_gmt":"2026-03-07T02:02:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/state.nokidhungry.org\/north-carolina\/?page_id=756"},"modified":"2026-03-09T18:47:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T18:47:10","slug":"summer-meals","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/state.nokidhungry.org\/north-carolina\/summer-meals\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Meals"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\n<h2><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Summer Meals in North Carolina<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">\n<span style=\"font-size: 12pt; color: #333333;\">Many children in North Carolina depend on school for their daily nutrition. When the school year ends, <strong>Summer Nutrition Programs<\/strong> ensure that children and teens still have access to meals at no cost.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; color: #333333;\"><strong>No Kid Hungry North Carolina <\/strong>and the <strong>Carolina Hunger Initiative<\/strong> work closely with the <strong>North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI)<\/strong>, schools, and community partners to promote information about how to find summer meal sites across the state.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; color: #333333;\">North Carolina&#8217;s Summer Nutrition Programs include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333; font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333; font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Seamless Summer Option (SSO)<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; color: #333333;\">These programs are administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), with federal support from the <strong>U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333; font-size: 12pt;\">NCDPI partners with schools and community organizations that operate as summer meal sponsors to serve <strong>free meals and snacks to children and teens ages 18 and younger<\/strong> during the summer months. Approved sponsors are reimbursed for providing nutritious meals in low-income communities.<\/span><\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;find-summer-meals&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; 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column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\n<h3><span style=\"color: #333333;\">How to Find Summer Meals<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Families can easily locate free summer meals across North Carolina using the resources below.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Summer Meals Website:<\/strong> Find the latest information and resources about North Carolina&#8217;s Summer Nutrition Programs at <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/summermeals4nckids.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SummerMeals4NCKids.org<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"color: #333333;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>North Carolina Summer Meal Site Finder:<\/strong> Use the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ncdpi.maps.arcgis.com\/apps\/instant\/nearby\/index.html?appid=d0d3296e4f674d7eb43ce3665a6bbfc5&amp;sliderDistance=0.25\">Site Finder Map<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"color: #333333;\"> to locate summer meal sites across the state.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>USDA Summer Meal Site Finder:<\/strong> Search for nearby summer meal locations using the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fns.usda.gov\/summer\/sitefinder\">USDA\u2019s national site finder tool<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Find Your Local Food Bank:<\/strong> Your local food bank may offer summer meal programs or connect families to additional food resources. Find your local food bank through <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/feedingthecarolinas.org\/find-food\/\">Feeding the Carolinas<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Local School Districts:<\/strong> Check your local school district\u2019s website, social media, and family communications for the most up-to-date meal site details.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\n<div style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">\n<h4><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Why Summer Meals?<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>FREE:<\/strong> Meals are free to children and teens ages 18 and younger who visit a participating summer meal site.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>SAVE MONEY:<\/strong> Free summer meals help families stretch their food budgets and reduce grocery costs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>NUTRITIOUS:<\/strong> Meals served at summer meal sites follow USDA nutrition guidelines to ensure children receive balanced, healthy food.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>SAFE:<\/strong> Summer meal sites are located in safe, familiar spaces such as schools, churches, parks, and community centers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>FUN:<\/strong> Many sites offer educational and recreational activities so that kids can eat, socialize, and participate in engaging programs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>NO ID, NO REGISTRATION:<\/strong> Families do not need to apply or fill out paperwork. Children can simply visit a participating site and enjoy a healthy meal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>TIP:<\/strong> Contact the meal site before visiting to confirm the location, schedule, and serving times.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Did you know?<\/strong> In summer 2025, North Carolina served approximately 5.3 million meals to children through Summer Nutrition Programs\u2014an increase of 1 million meals compared to summer 2024. A total of 157 organizations served as summer meals sponsors across the state.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; 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column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\n<h3><span style=\"color: #333333;\">For Schools and Community Organizations<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Schools, local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations play a vital role in making summer meals available to children across North Carolina.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Organizations can participate as <strong>summer meal sponsors or sites<\/strong>, helping ensure that children have access to healthy food when school is not in session.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Summer Meal County Profiles:<\/strong> Find county-level participation data and learn more about how Summer Nutrition Programs are operating across North Carolina using <a href=\"https:\/\/summermeals4nckids.org\/county-profiles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Summer Meals County Profiles<\/strong><\/a> developed by the Carolina Hunger Initiative.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI): <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpi.nc.gov\/districts-schools\/district-operations\/school-nutrition\/about-school-nutrition-programs\/summer-nutrition-programs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact NCDPI<\/a><\/strong> for information on becoming an approved sponsor or site in your area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>No Kid Hungry&#8217;s Center for Best Practices: <a href=\"https:\/\/bestpractices.nokidhungry.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Explore our collection of resources, tools, and webinars<\/a> <\/strong>designed to support sponsors in implementing <a href=\"https:\/\/bestpractices.nokidhungry.org\/programs\/summer-meals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Summer Nutrition Programs<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>USDA Mapping Tools:<\/strong> USDA&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/ncdpisnp.maps.arcgis.com\/apps\/webappviewer\/index.html?id=fa168f12f4e64ae5b0f6fe06358bb3d7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Capacity Builder Map<\/strong><\/a> helps SFSP and SSO sponsors review previous years\u2019 service and plan strategically for future summer meal operations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Summer Meals Outreach Toolkit:<\/strong> Help spread the word about free summer meals for kids. <a href=\"https:\/\/bestpractices.nokidhungry.org\/resource\/summer-meals-outreach-toolkit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Access this easy-to-use outreach toolkit<\/strong><\/a> with graphics, social media posts, template letters, and other materials to support community outreach.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; 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