YMCA expands free summer meal program across southeastern North Carolina
SOUTHEASTERN NC (WWAY) — Families across southeastern North Carolina will have greater access to free meals for children this summer as the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina expands its SUN Meals To-Go program into additional communities.
The program, funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program, provides free weekly meal boxes containing seven days’ worth of breakfasts and lunches for children and teens ages 18 and younger. Distribution sites are available in Brunswick, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender and Sampson counties.
The expansion comes as schools close for summer break, a time when many families lose access to school-provided meals.
“For many children, school meals are a reliable source of nutrition throughout the year,” said Amy Hobbs, senior director of food services for the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina. “When school is out, families can face additional challenges putting healthy meals on the table. Through SUN Meals To-Go, we’re helping ensure children across southeastern North Carolina have access to nutritious food all summer long.”
According to the YMCA, the organization distributed more than 216,000 breakfasts and lunches through eight meal distribution sites in 2025, providing the equivalent of nearly 400,000 pounds of food to families throughout the region.
This year, the program has expanded with new distribution sites in New Hanover and Onslow counties, increasing access for families in both urban and rural communities.
In Brunswick County, meal boxes are available each Friday through Aug. 21 at Brunswick Family Assistance in Bolivia, Southport Presbyterian Church in Southport, and Camp United Methodist Church in Shallotte.
Families may pick up one meal box per eligible child each week. Each box contains seven breakfasts and seven lunches. Program officials note that children who receive meal boxes from another participating Summer Food Service Program provider during the same week are not eligible for an additional box through the YMCA.
Pre-registration is encouraged but not required, and meal boxes are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
The YMCA’s efforts to address childhood hunger extend beyond the summer months. Through the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the organization provides meals and snacks at 26 after-school sites across Brunswick, New Hanover and Sampson counties. Meals are also provided through summer camps, holiday camps and other youth programs throughout the year.
In addition to serving meals directly to children, the YMCA partners with community organizations to reduce food waste. In 2025, the organization donated more than 27,000 pounds of unopened food to food banks, schools, churches, homeless ministries and other nonprofits across the region.
Community partners include Brunswick Family Assistance, NourishNC, First Fruit Ministries, The Harrelson Center, Port City Harm Reduction, local school systems, churches and food pantries.
“No child should have to worry about where their next meal will come from,” Hobbs said. “We’re grateful for the many community partners, volunteers and supporters who help make this program possible and ensure families have access to nutritious food when they need it most.”
Families can learn more about the SUN Meals To-Go program, view distribution site details and register online through the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina.
