Summer break is here, and for many families across Eastern Kentucky, help is available to make sure children stay fed and healthy while school is out.
The Kentucky Summer EBT program, also known as SUN Bucks, is now providing eligible families with a one-time payment of 120 dollars per school-aged child to help cover grocery costs during the summer months. The benefit is available for children ages 6 through 17 as of August 1st.
Families already enrolled in programs like SNAP, KTAP, or Kinship Care may be automatically approved, with benefits being added directly to their EBT cards. But even families not currently enrolled in those programs may still qualify based on household income.
Officials say Summer EBT is designed to help bridge the gap when school cafeterias are closed for the summer, giving families extra support while children are home from class.
To see if your household qualifies, families can check eligibility and income guidelines online at feedingky.org/sebteligibility. Applications can then be completed at kysebt.ky.gov.
The deadline to apply is August 15th.
Community leaders encourage families not to wait, reminding parents that even a little extra grocery assistance during the summer can make a big difference for local children and households.
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As another school year has come to a close here in Carter County, officials and volunteers from the school district are hard at work once again to make sure children in our communities continue receiving healthy meals throughout the summer months.
The Carter County School District has announced details for its 2026 Summer Meals Program, providing free breakfasts and lunches each week for children ages 13 months through 18 years old. The program is part of the USDA Summer Nutrition initiative and is designed to help families keep kids fed, healthy, and ready for a safe and active summer break.
This year’s program will operate as a convenient drive-thru pickup service on Thursdays only from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM, running June 8th through July 30th. Families will receive seven days’ worth of breakfasts and lunches during each weekly pickup.
Pickup locations will once again be available at Prichard Elementary School and West Carter High School, helping serve families across both ends of the county.
School officials say registration is required for the drive-thru meal pickup program, and families are encouraged to register as early as possible before summer begins.
The annual effort has become an important community resource for many local families and is made possible through the continued work of the district’s food service staff and volunteers who dedicate part of their summer to helping children stay nourished while school is out of session.
For additional information about registration or eligibility, residents can contact Summer Food Services Coordinator Becca Jackson at 606-474-6696 extension 20215.
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Here’s an important opportunity for families looking ahead to the upcoming school year. Northeast Head Start and Early Head Start are now officially accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year, offering free early childhood education and support services designed to give local children a strong foundation for learning and growth.
For families with preschool-aged children, Head Start is available for kids who are 3 or 4 years old before August 1st. For even younger children, Early Head Start welcomes infants as young as 6 weeks old up to age 3. And for parents wondering—potty training is not required. Staff work closely with families, meeting children where they are developmentally and supporting them every step of the way.
What makes this program especially meaningful is that it is completely free. Everything a child needs to thrive—from educational activities to essential supplies—is provided, easing the burden on families while strengthening early learning opportunities in the community.
Enrollment is now open at several local centers: Families can visit or call the Olive Hill Head Start & Early Head Start at 606-286-5711. In Grayson, applications are being accepted at the Grayson Head Start. The phone number there is 606-474-4602. And for families near Gregoryville, you can reach the Gregoryville Head Start at 606-474-0434. Organizers encourage families to apply early, as spots can fill quickly and early enrollment helps ensure a smooth start to the school year. So if you have a little one at home—or know a family who could benefit—this is the time to reach out. A strong start in early childhood can make a lifelong difference.