What are SUN Meals?
When school is out, SUN Meals are in! SUN Meals are the traditional program for serving meals in a “congregate” setting, and the meals must be eaten on-site. SUN Meals are part of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) or National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (NSLP SSO) that provides nutritious meals and snacks to children and teens aged 18 and under during the summer months at no cost to families.
These meals are served at local sites like camps, schools, parks, community centers, and faith-based locations, providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to eat, play, and learn. In addition to providing healthy food, meal sites also may offer opportunities for kids to socialize, learn, and grow in a positive, supervised setting.
Why Become a Sponsor?
As a SUN Meals sponsor, you have the power to make a real difference in your community. By providing healthy meals, you can:
- Fight Summer Hunger: Ensure that every child has the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and thrive, even when school is out.
- Build Stronger Communities: Create a welcoming space for children and families to connect and build relationships. Sites can also be established at pre-existing places where children gather in the summer like splash pads, summer camps, and more.
- Support Academic Success: Help prevent the “summer slide” by providing the fuel kids need to stay active and engaged in learning.
- Receive Reimbursement: Get reimbursed for the eligible meals you serve, making it a financially sustainable program for your organization.
Who Can Be a Sponsor?
A wide variety of organizations can become SUN Meals sponsors, including:
- Public or private nonprofit schools
- Local government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Camps
- Universities and colleges
- Faith-based organizations
How Does It Work in North Carolina?
The SUN Meals program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI), with federal funding from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). As a sponsor, you will be responsible for:
- Attending state agency training
- Recruiting and training staff and volunteers
- Arranging for meal preparation and delivery
- Monitoring your meal sites
- Submitting claims for reimbursement