South Raleigh News

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has announced that over $129 million in food assistance was distributed to more than one million children and families during the first SUN Bucks summer program in North Carolina. This initiative aimed to support families facing food insecurity, particularly those who rely on school meals during the academic year.

Governor Roy Cooper stated, “Too many children face food insecurity in North Carolina, particularly children who rely on school meals during the academic year. This program bridged the summer gap and helped families access nutritious food they need to thrive.”

North Carolina is among three states in the Food and Nutrition Services Southeast Region that participated in this new U.S. Department of Agriculture program. The SUN Bucks program, also known as Summer EBT, provided grocery-buying benefits to qualifying families with school-aged children during the summer months. Eligible families received a one-time payment of $120 per child.

Kody H. Kinsley, NC Secretary of Health and Human Services, remarked, “Healthy food is key to overall health and well-being. The SUN Bucks program fed one million children in North Carolina this summer — helping their growth and development. I’m proud of our team and our partners for working quickly and creatively to make this possible.”

The 2024 North Carolina SUN Bucks initiative was a collaborative effort between USDA, NCDHHS, and the NC Department of Public Instruction. Philanthropic partners such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, Smithfield Foods, The Leon Levine Foundation, Dogwood Health Trust, Cone Health Foundation, and Brighthouse Financial supported administrative costs.

NCDHHS is planning for another impactful year of SUN Bucks in 2025 with aspirations to reach more families while bolstering local economies. The department seeks sustainable funding from the legislature and partners to ensure continued operation beyond 2025.

For information regarding SUN Bucks benefits from Summer 2024 or other healthy food access programs offered by NCDHHS such as Food and Nutrition Services or WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children), individuals are encouraged to visit their respective websites.