YMCA Partners with Brunswick Family Assistance for Summer Food Distribution Program

May 18, 2026 Coastal Carolina News Staff Brunswick County, Government, News 0

By BC News Staff Writer

BOLIVIA, NC — As summer vacation approaches, a vital community partnership is locking into place to ensure local students maintain access to nutritious meals and engaging activities while school is out.

Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA) has announced the return of its highly impactful Summer Food Distribution program, bolstered this year by a weekly partnership with the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina. The initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain many regional families face during the summer months when school breakfast and lunch programs are unavailable.

BFA Grocery Distributions: The formal summer food operation officially launches on June 1. Bulk food bags and boxes will be accessible to families Monday through Friday during BFA’s normal operational business hours.

To minimize the logistical burden on parents, BFA is utilizing a weekly distribution model rather than requiring a daily pick-up schedule. The program is specifically structured to support local youth, spanning children from Grade 1 through Grade 12.

Each eligible student can receive one custom-packed bag or box per week. Each individual kit is comprehensively packed to cover a student’s standard daytime nutritional needs for a full seven days, containing: 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Snacks, and 7 Beverages.

The program is organized specifically for school-aged children in grades 1–12 residing within the county. Families looking to participate should keep the following operational details in mind:

Locations: Distributions typically take place across BFA’s service hubs, including the main headquarters located at 929 Old Ocean Highway in Bolivia, as well as the Leland office at 324-I Village Road.
Hours of Operation: While food box pickups are available throughout the workweek, residents are encouraged to arrive during standard pantry windows, generally 9:00 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Fridays. Hitting mid-day windows ensures administrative staff are fully available for intake.
What to Bring: New or returning families seeking assistance should be prepared to present a valid photo ID confirming Brunswick County residency.