The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is seeking schools and fiscally responsible community organizations to serve as sponsors for Summer Nutrition Programs in 2025 to help ensure children who have limited access to food at home, according to a release.

“Summer Nutrition Programs offer children not only nutritious meals but also educational enrichment critical for continued growth, development, learning and social emotional support when school is out,” said NCDPI’s Senior Director of School Nutrition and Auxiliary Services Rachel Findley. “Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. School and community partners are key to helping make sure no child goes hungry during the summer.”

Almost one million North Carolina K-12 public school students rely on the nutritious meals and snacks served during the school year through the School Breakfast, School Lunch, and after-school meals Programs, per a release.

North Carolina’s Summer Nutrition Programs help fill the gap by providing free meals and snacks to youth, ages 18 and younger, who might otherwise go hungry when school is out of session.

Sponsor applications for N.C. Summer Nutrition Programs are due March 1. Potential sponsors are advised to plan as the application involves a multi-step process for completion and approval to become a sponsor. To learn more about N.C. Summer Nutrition Programs and how your organization may become involved in providing summer meals to youth in your community, please visit the NCDPI Summer Nutrition Program website or contact the NCDPI Summer Nutrition Program team.