In an effort to combat food insecurity among children, North Carolina has successfully distributed over $129 million in food assistance to more than a million children and families. This initiative marked the first application of the SUN Bucks summer program in the state.
“Too many children face food insecurity in North Carolina, particularly children who rely on school meals during the academic year,” stated Governor Roy Cooper. “This program bridged the summer gap and helped families access nutritious food they need to thrive.”
North Carolina stands among only three states in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services Southeast Region to implement this new program. The SUN Bucks program, also known as Summer EBT, provided critical grocery-buying benefits to families with school-aged children during the summer. Each qualified child received a one-time payment of $120, addressing the needs of 20% of the state’s children who experience food insecurity.
“Healthy food is key to overall health and well-being,” said NC Secretary of Health and Human Services Kody H. Kinsley. “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 SUN Bucks program in North Carolina was a collaborative effort involving the USDA, NCDHHS, and the NC Department of Public Instruction. Philanthropic organizations like the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, Smithfield Foods, The Leon Levine Foundation, Dogwood Health Trust, Cone Health Foundation, and Brighthouse Financial played a significant role by funding the program’s administrative costs.
As plans unfold for 2025, efforts are underway by NCDHHS to expand the SUN Bucks program’s reach and enhance its impact on local economies. Securing sustainable financial support from the legislature and additional partners is crucial to ensure the program’s continuity.
Information for Families
The application period for the 2024 SUN Bucks program ended on August 31, 2024. Benefits were first issued in June to families automatically eligible via their participation in Food and Nutrition Services and other related programs.
Note that SUN Bucks benefits from Summer 2024 are valid for 122 days from their “Available” date and cannot be replaced if expired. Visit the SUN Bucks website for details on finding the benefit “Available” date, expiration date, checking remaining balance, and managing your account.
NCDHHS offers multiple programs supporting access to healthy food, such as Food and Nutrition Services and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. For more information, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/fns or www.ncdhhs.gov/ncwic. To apply for FNS benefits online, go to epass.nc.gov.
Additional food resources can be found at www.ncdhhs.gov/foodresources.
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