More Than 111,000 Meals Served: Summer Meals Program Reaches More Craven County Children

When the final meals were packed and served this summer, Craven County Schools had reached an impressive milestone: 111,334 meals provided to children and teens across Craven County.

That total represents approximately 25,000 more meals than last summer, reflecting the continued growth and success of the district’s Summer Meals Program and the dedication of the School Nutrition employees and community partners who made it possible.

Throughout the summer, Craven County Schools worked to ensure children ages 18 and younger continued to have access to nutritious meals while school was not in session. Through a combination of on-site meal service, community locations, partnerships, and weekly to-go meals, the program reached children throughout the county.

Expanding Access to Summer Meals

One of the key factors in this summer’s growth was the addition of New Bern High School as a central meal location. The site provided another convenient option for families in the New Bern area and helped expand the program’s reach.

The district also continued its Thursday Sun Meals To-Go distributions, which offered families greater flexibility in accessing meals throughout the summer. The weekly distributions provided breakfast and lunch meals, along with milk, to help children have access to nutritious food throughout the week.

Behind each distribution was a team of School Nutrition employees who prepared, organized, packed, and distributed meals to ensure families received what they needed.

“With the rising costs of meals, gas, and other staples, we are grateful to be able to provide healthy meals for our youth during the summer,” said Lauren Weyand, Director of School Nutrition. “I am proud of my team who worked tirelessly preparing and packing meals each week for our community. This program’s success is a true testament to the work we can accomplish when we come together for the children of Craven County.”

Community Partnerships Extend the Reach

The success of the Summer Meals Program also extended well beyond school campuses.

Craven County Schools worked closely with community organizations that were already providing opportunities for children during the summer. Partnerships with the YMCA, local church youth programs, and the Craven County Schools Read to Achieve Camp helped connect nutritious meals with children participating in summer learning, enrichment, and youth activities.

Those partnerships complemented meal service at school sites and community distribution locations, giving families multiple ways to access meals throughout Craven County.

The program was offered in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Summer Nutrition Programs and included both on-site Sun Meals and Sun Meals To-Go distributions.

111,334 Meals—and an Impact Beyond the Numbers

While 111,334 meals is a significant accomplishment, each meal represents more than a number: a child served and a family supported during the weeks when school cafeterias are normally closed.

The approximately 25,000-meal increase from the previous summer demonstrates what can happen when schools and community organizations work together to identify needs, increase accessibility, and connect families with available resources.

It also reflects the commitment of the School Nutrition employees who continued serving students long after the regular school year ended.

Craven County Schools extends its appreciation to the School Nutrition team, community partners, families, and everyone who helped spread the word and make the Summer Meals Program a success.