CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – During the school year, free school breakfasts and lunches are key to kids having enough to eat, but during the summer there are fewer options.
According to the state, one in six North Carolina children live in a food insecure home, and the state is addressing this with its SUN Bucks program, which aims to help families through the summer.
The state is set to receive about $120 million in federal funding to provide meals to more than 1 million students this summer.
As part of the SUN Bucks program, families will receive a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child to help purchase nutritious foods during school holidays.
Children who already receive free or reduced-price lunches at school will automatically qualify, along with many other families.
“One of the things I want to share is that many families can receive SUN Bucks without having to do anything,” says Cindy Long with the USDA, “If they participate in SNAP or other state-run programs, many families can receive them without even applying… but we just want to get the word out and make sure people have access to this amazing tool.”
For people who already receive SNAP benefits, $120 will be automatically loaded onto their EBT cards starting Friday, June 14th.
To see if you qualify or for more information, click here.
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