CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched a new food assistance program called "Sun Bucks," to provide relief for those dealing with food insecurity.
This program gives grocery-buying benefits to qualifying families with school-aged children during the summer months.
While some families will have to apply, children who receive free or reduced meals at school and those who receive food stamps, Medicaid with a household income 185% below the federal poverty level, or those in foster care will automatically qualify for the benefits.
Charlotte food pantry, Nourish Up, told WCNC Charlotte this program would not only provide help to people in the community, but to the organization as well.
“This year alone, in just the first 4 months, we’ve served over 55,000 people. That’s 40% higher than last year," Tina Postel, CEO of Nourish Up, said.
Summer months are a difficult time for many families who are struggling to feed their families.
“We’re certainly bracing for the day that school lets out because we know, in those summer months, families living paycheck to paycheck struggle with added childcare costs,” Postel added. "Summer is a scary time for many families on limited budgets."
This program starts at different times for areas across North Carolina.
To find out when it starts in your area, click here to get more information from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website.
Contact Anna King at aking2@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.