Resources and Action to Help Stop Summer Hunger

Kids and Families are Facing Hunger this Summer

For families struggling with food insecurity, summer has long marked a time when kids no longer have easy access to breakfast and lunch at school.

Many parents and caregivers have to come up with 10 or more additional meals per week, per child when school is out — making the summer months among the most challenging times of year to keep food on the table. But with community support, we can ensure healthy meals remain available to all who need them.

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Summer challenges come as pantries, no-cost markets, meal sites and delivery programs throughout the region brace for what may be our most difficult period in decades.

The most recent research shows that over 168,000 school-age children and teens are food insecure across Central and Eastern North Carolina — and the situation has only worsened with ongoing economic disruption over the past year.

The daunting figures quantify what many front-line organizations have long experienced in our communities: the combination of waning state and federal support as housing, food and other essential costs rise has worsened the existing hunger crisis. As a result, demand for food assistance is as high as it’s been since the Great Recession, and the gap widens when school meals, snacks and backpack programs are no-longer accessible to local kids.

The Food Bank is Here to Help!

Our network of 700+ local organizations is moving mountains to ensure nutritious food reaches affected families throughout the region. And together we offer a host of additional programs to help fill the meal gap when schools are closed. So whether you live in the city, the suburbs, or in our rural and remote areas, know that food is available this summer!

Resources for Families while School is Out

Thanks to longtime partnerships with community-based organizations and local governments, there are a host of resources available to support area families over the summer months:

Kids Summer Meals

The Summer Food Service Program is available in communities across 17 counties, including on-site meals and to-go options. Local community centers, churches and summer camps offer free meals and snacks to all kids and teens — alongside outdoor recreation and reading initiatives.

As a part of the Stop Summer Hunger campaign, Food Bank partners are operating dozens of no-cost meal sites across our service area from June 16 to August 22. Locations will offering breakfast, lunch, and or snack. We will update the locations list as often as needed.

Find A Meal Site Near You

Added Support for Groceries

If your kids are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, North Carolina’s SUN Bucks program offers extra grocery money for families while school is closed. Funds are deposited on easy-to-use debit cards that are accepted at many local retailers.

Learn More About SUN Bucks

Pantries & No-cost Markets

Our network of 700+ local community organizations also ramp up operations when hunger is at its worst — and many offer drive-up or delivery options. Our FoodFinder tool can help identify locations near you.

Find Local Food Options

You Can Take Action to #StopSummerHunger

If you’re in a position to help, there are concrete ways to have an impact right now. Your support helps area pantries, free food markets and meal sites ramp up local efforts while school is out:

For every $1 donated, the Food Bank can source enough food to fuel 3 meals — far more than any of us could purchase as an individual consumer. And with all donations matched through July 31, every dollar translates to 6 meals!

Double Your Impact

Volunteer at a local food distribution center. In the average volunteer shift, a single person will sort and pack enough food to fuel more than 160 meals for local families.

Give Your Time

Advocate for investments to stop summer hunger. No child in our community should go hungry — and state and federal leaders must act.

Make Your Voice Heard

We all have someone in our lives who’s been touched by food insecurity. Share this page to help stop summer hunger!

Spread the Word

Find pantries and delivery options near you on our FoodFinder app.

As always, our Network of local food assistance sites are open throughout Central and Eastern North Carolina — offering fresh produce and pantry staples to all who need it. These locations are often able to accept consumer-donated food as well, so be sure to check out local options in your community!

View Nearby Locations

2026 Community Supporters

We’re excited to partner with ABC11, iHeartRadio and the Arby's Foundation to raise awareness of these challenges and encourage action to Stop Summer Hunger!

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