Craven County Schools rebrands summer feeding to 'Sun Meals'; expands to meal kits and mobile bus stops
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Summary
The district said summer feeding is now operating as 'Sun Meals' with congregate sites and weekly seven‑day meal kits distributed on Thursdays; mobile meal sites and a modified school bus (Craven Cruiser) will serve New Bern and western county locations.
Craven County Schools presented updates to its summer feeding program, now operating under the name Sun Meals to align with state food‑service branding.
Nutrition staff explained the program runs both congregate (on‑site) meals and Sun Meals To‑Go, a weekly distribution that delivers seven days’ worth of breakfast and lunch every Thursday. "We chose Thursdays because July 4 fell on a Friday this year and it caused confusion," the presenter said.
The Nut Graf: The district said there is no preregistration or ID required at open sites; families may be asked to provide names and addresses on a sign‑in form. For the meal kits, the district uses a packing machine purchased during the COVID period and distributes microwavable trays with reheating instructions; the program employs a three‑week rotating menu.
Program details: congregate/open sites were listed as school groups, camps and community partners where meals are consumed on site. Sun Meals To‑Go main pickup locations listed included Arthur Edwards, Bridgeton, Vanceboro and Farm Life; several mobile distribution sites serve western county and Havelock. Staff reported Havelock had low participation for congregate summer meals in the past; the meal‑kit option increased weekly distribution there to about 30 meal kits per week. The Craven Cruiser — a modified, air‑conditioned school bus — provides meals in New Bern neighborhoods that are not eligible for USDA seven‑day kits because of rural‑eligibility mapping.
Community partners include local churches, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club and sports camps. Staff also said the district applied for fresh fruit and vegetable grant funding (eligibility requires roughly 50% free/reduced lunch at an elementary). The presenter noted program locations and projected versus actual participation for the prior year.
Ending: The item was informational; no board action was required. Board members thanked nutrition staff for the program and praised staff members with long service.
