Author: Ryan Hill
May 8, 2019 – Children and teens at risk of inadequate food when school is not in session may receive free, nutritious meals and snacks through the Summer Food Service Program beginning this month.
The federally-funded, state-administered initiative is led by the NC Department of Public Instruction and No Kid Hungry North Carolina, in partnership with the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
“Summer is a time for friends and fun,” said DHHS’ Division of Social Services Deputy Director David Locklear. “It can also be a stressful time for families counting on school breakfast and lunch, whose family food budgets may be stretched to the breaking point.”
The meals, available May 1 – Aug. 17, are similar to school lunch and breakfast program offerings, except the meals are free to all children and teens aged 18 and younger who come to a summer meals site.
The summer meal sites can be found via:
• Texting FOODNC to 877-877
• Calling 1-866-3Hungry or 1-877-8Hombre toll-free
• Visiting www.FNS.USDA.gov/SummerFoodRocks
• Contacting a Summer Nutrition Consultant
For more information, go to www.NoKidHungryNC.org or text FoodNC to 877-877.