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The noncongregate summer meal service program, known as SUN Meals To-Go, was permanently enacted by the federal government in 2023. Compared with the traditional congregate summer meal option, SUN Meals To-Go allows summer meal sponsors in designated rural areas to provide “grab-and-go” or delivery-style meals, for children. This report describes the challenges encountered by state child nutrition directors and sponsors in implementing the program, identifies and compares the number of states and sponsors that participated in 2023 and 2024, and reflects on recommendations for the government to facilitate future program implementation.
Published: May 2025
ID #: 81398
Publisher: Urban Institute
Authors: Emily Gutierrez, Baris Tezel, Poonam Gupta, Ariella Meltzer
Age Groups: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12), Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8)
Focus Areas: Food Access, Nutrition Policy & Programs
Keywords: Food insecurity, School meal programs
State: National
Resource Type: Report
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