Pender County Schools launches 2026 Summer Meals Program for children
PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Pender County Schools is once again working to ensure local students have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer months through its 2026 Summer Meals Program.
In partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and No Kid Hungry North Carolina, the program provides free breakfast and lunch for children and teens while school is out of session.
Beginning Wednesday, June 3, 2026, and running weekly through August 12, families can pick up seven days’ worth of meals every Wednesday from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at six designated locations: South Topsail Elementary, C.F. Pope Elementary, Malpass Corner Elementary, Rocky Point Elementary, Atkinson Town Hall, and Maple Hill Presbyterian Church.
No application is required to receive meals, though officials encourage families to pre-register online or complete a form at pickup.
The initiative is part of a statewide effort to combat food insecurity and ensure students return to school ready to learn.
No Kid Hungry North Carolina, an initiative of Share Our Strength based at UNC-Chapel Hill, has worked since 2011 to expand access to healthy meals for children across the state. More information is available on the organization’s website.
