Fresh peaches, tomatoes and sweet corn filled the stalls at Charlotte's Uptown Farmers Market on Saturday, August 1, but the day's biggest takeaway wasn't just what was in season. Families, community leaders and local partners gathered alongside the Charlotte Hornets to celebrate SUN Bucks, a program that helps children stay nourished during the summer while supporting North Carolina farmers and local businesses.
For 1 in 5 children across North Carolina who face hunger, the summer months present a significant challenge. This event brought together important partners to demonstrate how families can help meet that challenge and stretch their benefits by shopping at local farmers markets. SUN Bucks provides eligible families with $120 per child in grocery benefits over the summer break to make up for meals that children would normally receive at school. When families shop at participating farmers markets, eligible purchases can be matched through Double Up Food Bucks, a program that allows families to bring home even more fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods. This is a win for both North Carolina families and local farmers.
Highlights from the Market:
The morning featured live engagement, educational outreach and interactive demonstrations designed to show families how easy and affordable it is to shop local.
- Special Guests: Showcasing their ongoing commitment to supporting children across North Carolina, the Charlotte Hornets joined the event. Hornets mascot Hugo the Hornet brought energy to the market floor, while local partners joined to celebrate the program's reach across the Charlotte region.
- Culinary Demonstrations: Chef Scott Wallen of Burke Hospitality and Charlotte Hornets legend Dell Curry shopped the market alongside families before preparing an easy, healthy recipe using seasonal produce that families can easily recreate at home.
- Community Engagement: Representatives from No Kid Hungry, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council and the Carolina Hunger Initiative hosted information tables to guide families on eligibility, navigating Double Bucks matches and connecting with local food resources. mascot Hugo the Hornet brought energy to the market floor, while local partners joined to celebrate the program's reach across the Charlotte region.
SUN Bucks at a Glance
By ensuring that children receive nutrition throughout the summer, SUN Bucks strengthens entire communities and injects vital dollars directly into local agricultural economies.
Impact: Reached 1.1 million children across North Carolina last year
Value: Over $120 per eligible child for summer grocery purchases
Double Bucks: Benefits double in value when used at participating farmers markets
Economic Growth: Draws down over $129 million in federal funds, generating an estimated $233 million in statewide economic activity
Future Support: Fully funded by the North Carolina General Assembly to return for summer 2027
Learn More: Families and community members can find more information by visiting the North Carolina SUN Bucks webpage
Commitment to Ending Summer Hunger
Sustaining successful programs requires collaboration across all levels of leadership. The event celebrated the landmark commitment by the North Carolina General Assembly to fully fund the state's share of SUN Bucks administration for summer 2027. This vote ensures families can count on this lifeline next summer and sets a powerful precedent for supporting North Carolina children.
Federal leaders also recognized the importance of SUN Bucks and this event. U.S. Senator Thom Tillis sent a letter to mark the occasion, thanking No Kid Hungry North Carolina, the Charlotte Hornets and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council for their efforts. Senator Tillis noted that the partnership helps build a stronger, healthier future for the state by ensuring children have access to nutritious food year round. We're grateful to Senator Tillis for his recognition of this effort.
Special recognition goes to the state legislative leaders who prioritized SUN Bucks funding in the state budget, including Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, House Speaker Destin Hall, Sen. Benton Sawrey, Sen. Amy Galey, Sen. Jim Burgin, Sen. Brent Jackson, Sen. Ralph Hise, Sen. Dana Jones, Rep. Larry Potts, Rep. Tim Reeder, Rep. Donna White, Rep. Donny Lambeth, Rep. Grant Campbell, Rep. Dean Arp, Rep. Larry Strickland, Rep. Kyle Hall, Rep. Jimmy Dixon, Rep. Karl Gillespie, Rep. Jeff McNeely, Rep. Heather Rhyne and Rep. Donnie Loftis, alongside their colleagues in the General Assembly. We're grateful for their continued leadership on this issue.
Building Momentum for North Carolina Families
Every child deserves a healthy summer and strong start to the school year. SUN Bucks is helping to make that possible by putting nutritious food on families’ tables while investing in North Carolina farmers, local businesses and communities. The celebration at the Uptown Farmers Market was a reminder that when civic leaders and community organizations work together, everyone benefits.
