South Raleigh News

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that over $129 million in food assistance has been distributed to more than one million children through the SUN Bucks program during its inaugural summer in North Carolina. The initiative was coordinated with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Governor Cooper emphasized the importance of this program, stating, “Too many children face food security in North Carolina, making the summers difficult for families who rely on school meals during the academic year.” He added that SUN Bucks has been essential in providing access to nutritious food for children and families during summer months.

North Carolina is among three states in the Food and Nutrition Services Southeast Region that participated in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's SUN Bucks program this year. Known as Summer EBT, it provided grocery-buying benefits to eligible families with school-aged children during summer. Families received a one-time payment of $120 per child, which is significant given that 1 in 5 children in North Carolina live without consistent access to food.

NC Secretary of Health and Human Services Kody H. Kinsley remarked on the impact of healthy food on well-being: “The SUN Bucks program fed one million children in North Carolina this summer — helping their growth and development.”

The 2024 SUN Bucks program was a collaborative effort involving USDA, NCDHHS, and the NC Department of Public Instruction. Philanthropic partners helped cover administrative costs, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, Smithfield Foods, The Leon Levine Foundation, Dogwood Health Trust, Cone Health Foundation, and Brighthouse Financial.

Looking towards 2025, NCDHHS aims to expand its reach and support local economies further. They are seeking sustainable funding from both legislature and partners to continue administering SUN Bucks annually.

Families had until August 31st to apply for SUN Bucks 2024. Benefits from Summer 2024 expire 122 days after their "Available" date. More information can be found on the SUN Bucks website regarding benefit dates and account management.

NCDHHS also offers programs like Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) and WIC to support access to healthy food. Further details are available at www.ncdhhs.gov/fns for FNS or www.ncdhhs.gov/ncwic for WIC applications.

For additional resources related to food assistance programs visit www.ncdhhs.gov/foodresources.