Many children in Wake County face uncertainty about their next meal during school breaks. To address this, the county is offering free meals to children 18 and under throughout the summer, with no registration required. This initiative is part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program, providing free breakfasts and lunches at 16 sites across Wake County.
A new location at Beech Bluff Park in Willow Spring will serve lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon, starting June 24 through July 31. Tara Waters, Wake County Commissioner, stated: “It’s up to all of us to make sure children get the food and nutrition they need, whether school is in or out for the summer.” She expressed pride in adding Beech Bluff Park as a service site this year.
The Wake County Cooperative Extension aids by setting up sites and connecting families with resources. Some locations will also offer enrichment activities alongside meal services to keep children engaged during summer.
Families can visit wake.gov/summerfood for detailed information on locations, hours, and dates.
In addition to these services, SNAP benefits are doubled at participating Wake County Farmers Markets. Families using SNAP receive an extra dollar for every dollar spent on fresh produce. NC SUN Bucks also provide $120 per eligible child for food costs during summer break and qualify for Double Bucks.
The Produce to Pantry program allows shoppers to donate fresh produce directly to food banks, helping reduce food waste while supporting those in need. Information on participating farmers markets and using SNAP benefits is available at wake.gov/farmersmarket.
