SUN Meals Programs for Children
Food insecurity rises during the summer when 30 million children in the U.S. lose access to meals they receive at school - meals they depend on to avoid hunger and malnutrition. In Virginia, 14% of children under age 18 live in households that experience food insecurity at some point during the year.*
To ensure that no child goes hungry during the summer months, two SUN Meals programs are available to all children in the Commonwealth - no application needed. Eligible families can also receive SUN Bucks for grocery benefits.
*Source: Feeding America
SUN Meals
These free meals and snacks are provided in group settings, just like school meals, and must be eaten on-site. SUN Meals are available to all kids 18 and under at schools, parks, community centers and other eligible locations. Meals are provided free of charge-no ID required. To find a SUN Meals location near you, visit the USDA's Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder. Your local school division can also help you find the locations for the SUN Meals.
SUN Meals-To-Go
In some parts of the Commonwealth, particularly rural areas, it's not always possible to bring groups of children together for summer meals. Transportation challenges for families and limited staffing can make it hard to offer on-site meal services, so certain communities provide SUN Meals To-Go, which can be picked up or delivered to families at home.
Participants may receive up to 10 days' worth of meals at once. This program is free to all kids 18 and under, and no ID is required. For more information about SUN Meals and SUN Meals-To-Go, visit the Virginia Department of Education's Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids page.
Check if SUN Meals To-Go is available in your area and find pick-up locations by using the USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder.
