Thanks to support from No Kid Hungry, we continued our SummerMeals4NCKids student intern project in summer 2024. This project embeds college students as paid interns in child nutrition programs across the state. These interns worked on the Summer Nutrition Program, which provides healthy meals at no cost to kids via thousands of sites in North Carolina. Take a look at the stories and lessons they brought back from their experience.
Michael Miller
Brunswick County Schools
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with the Brunswick County Schools Child Nutrition department, sponsored by No Kid Hungry North Carolina. Reflecting on my experience, I’m struck by the immense impact the Summer Nutrition Programs have on the community, the innovative solutions we implemented, and my personal growth throughout this journey.
Overview of the Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids
The Summer Nutrition Programs aim to ensure that no child goes hungry when school is out. In Brunswick County, the program is a lifeline for many families, ensuring that children receive the nutrition they need to thrive even during the summer months when school is not in session. This initiative is crucial in a community where nutrition insecurity affects numerous households.
My Role and Responsibilities
As an intern, my primary responsibilities included:
- Site selection and recruitment
- Sponsor engagement
- Site review
- Community outreach
I interacted closely with school nutrition staff, local churches, and community organizations to identify new meal sites and ensure that high-need areas were adequately served. Additionally, I assisted in training staff and volunteers, developing marketing strategies, and coordinating meal distribution efforts.
Challenges
One of the significant challenges we faced was planning for a transition from traditional congregate meals service to rural non-congregate meal service. The new rural non-congregate meal option allows families to pick up multiple meals at once to take back home for their children. This shift requires innovative thinking and adaptability to meet regulatory guidelines while ensuring efficient and safe meal distribution. Moreover, securing site sponsors and volunteers, especially in rural and high-need areas, can be challenging. One of my roles this summer was helping the Brunswick team think through these challenges and prepare to implement rural non-congregate meal sites for the first time in 2025.
Impact of No Kid Hungry North Carolina
The support from No Kid Hungry North Carolina was instrumental in our success. Their resources and technical assistance helped us navigate regulatory challenges and secure necessary approvals. Their guidance in implementing best practices ensured that we could provide high-quality, nutritious meals to children across the county. This initiative truly made a difference in the lives of many families, alleviating food insecurity and promoting healthier communities.
Personal Growth and Learning Experiences
This internship was a transformative experience for me, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and broadening my professional horizons. I learned valuable skills in project management, community outreach, and logistical planning. Navigating the complexities of food service programs taught me the importance of adaptability and creative problem-solving. Additionally, working closely with dedicated professionals and volunteers deepened my commitment to community service and strengthened my desire to make a positive impact in my future career.
Success Stories and Positive Outcomes
One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was witnessing the positive outcomes of our efforts. For example, the collaboration with Seaside United Methodist Church allowed us to reach more children in need, providing meals in a safe and accessible manner. Feedback from families highlighted the program’s impact, with parents expressing gratitude for the convenience and quality of the meals provided.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, our Brunswick County Schools Child Nutrition team identified goals to consider for next summer:
- Increasing the number of meal sites, particularly in underserved areas.
- Enhancing community awareness and engagement through targeted marketing and outreach campaigns.
- Exploring new partnerships and leveraging technology, such as a mobile app for meal ordering and delivery.
Conclusion
My internship with the Brunswick County Schools Child Nutrition department was an enriching experience that underscored the importance of community-driven initiatives in combating child hunger. The innovative solutions we implemented, had a profound impact on the community. As we look to the future, continued collaboration, commitment, and creativity will be key to ensuring that no child goes hungry, even when school is out.
Jaxon Evans is completing the Master of Science/Dietetic Internship program at UNC-Greensboro.