N.C. Seeks Sponsors for Summer Nutrition Programs to Support Children
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is currently on the lookout for schools and community organizations to step up as sponsors for summer nutrition programs. This initiative aims to provide educational support and nutritious meals for children who may face food scarcity at home during the summer months.
The DPI is especially interested in partners from rural regions, Indian Tribal Territories, and areas with significant populations of migrant farm workers. Applications for those wishing to become sponsors for the summer nutrition programs need to be submitted by March 1.
According to DPI, nearly one million K-12 students in North Carolina benefit from meals and snacks provided during the school year through breakfast, lunch, and after-school meal programs. When school is out, summer nutrition programs play a crucial role by offering free meals and snacks to youth aged 18 and under, ensuring they don’t go hungry, as highlighted by state education officials.
Rachel Findley, the senior director of School Nutrition and Auxiliary Services at DPI, emphasized the importance of these programs, stating, “Summer Nutrition Programs give children not just nutritious food but also essential educational activities that support their growth, learning, and emotional well-being when school is not in session. Every child needs the chance to thrive, and partnerships between schools and communities are vital to make sure no child experiences hunger in the summer."
Last summer, DPI approved a total of 175 organizations to provide on-site meals and 33 for takeaway meals. Together, they served over 4.2 million meals to children and teenagers throughout the state.
Organizations interested in becoming sponsors should prepare for a detailed application process that requires multiple steps for completion and approval.
Who Oversees the Program?
The Summer Food Service Program, which provides funding for summer meals, is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. It is designed to assist low-income areas by reimbursing providers that serve free, healthy meals and snacks when schools are closed.
In North Carolina, DPI’s Office of School Nutrition manages the program, handling sponsor applications, training, monitoring operations, and processing payments for services.
What Do Sponsors Do?
Sponsors are responsible for managing meal sites. Their roles include:
- Participating in training provided by the state agency.
- Finding and recruiting eligible meal sites.
- Hiring and supervising staff and volunteers.
- Arranging meal preparation or delivery.
- Monitoring meal sites for compliance.
- Submitting reimbursement claims.
- Ensuring meal site sustainability through community partnerships, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment.
Who Can Become a Sponsor?
To qualify as a sponsor, organizations must demonstrate they can effectively manage a food service program. They must adhere to regulations and be financially responsible for the program’s operation.
Eligible organizations include:
- Public or private nonprofit schools
- Local, municipal, county, tribal, or state government entities
- Nonprofit organizations
- Camps (either public or private nonprofits)
- Nonprofit universities or colleges
Interested in becoming a sponsor? You can complete a pre-screening tool to check if your organization meets the eligibility criteria. Following that, a summer nutrition consultant will reach out to discuss next steps.
For more details, potential sponsors are encouraged to visit the DPI’s website or contact the office directly.
