With the double whammy of rising grocery costs and shrinking SNAP benefits, it’s more important than ever for state governments to do what they can to help with food assistance.
In North Carolina, the SUN Bucks program provides nutritious food for more than a million North Carolina children throughout the summer. Eligible families receive a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child that can be used at most major grocery stores, retailers, and farmers’ markets in North Carolina. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein recently announced that it will be funded by public-private partnerships this summer, and fully funded by the state government next summer.
“I’m proud that our state budget funds SUN Bucks next summer and puts food on the table for more than one million kids across North Carolina. This is a critical investment in our children and families, and it helps us continue building a stronger, healthier North Carolina for all,” Stein said.
Because the NCGA did not pass a budget last year, this year’s program is funded by a public-private partnership between the USDA, the NC Department of Health and Human Services, the NC Department of Public Instruction, and various organizations including the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation and the Duke Endowment.
The SUN Bucks program delivers a 25:1 return on investment, with the state receiving $25 from the federal government for every dollar contributed, ultimately bringing about $125 million to North Carolina families with children for food each summer.
“Access to nutritious food is key to a child’s health and well-being,” said NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai. “SUN Bucks gives families resources to provide healthy meals for their children when school meals are not available during the summer. We are proud to work alongside our federal, state, and philanthropic partners to reach more than one million children and help ensure North Carolina families have the support they need.”
Find out if your child is eligible for SUN Bucks here.
