Trying to Offer Afterschool Meals? Need Some Help?

When the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act became law last December, one of many new provisions to go into immediate effect was the Afterschool Meal Program. Previously only available to a handful of pilot states, the afterschool meal program is now an option for afterschool programs in all 50 states that serve low-income communities. Many afterschool programs have already begun providing meals, and more programs are starting to do so as the school year begins. How does an afterschool program start serving meals in addition to, or instead of, an afterschool snack? Which programs are eligible to participate in the afterschool meal program? Must the program have access to a commercial kitchen in order to serve meals? These and many other questions are now answered in the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)’s new Afterschool Meals Guide.

The Guide is a helpful online resource that seeks to ensure more afterschool programs are able to receive federal funding to provide healthy meals to children when the school day ends. The Guide is primarily intended for afterschool program providers, sponsors, state agencies, anti-hunger advocates and anyone interested in making nutritious meals available to children who need them. The easy to follow format walks through the basics of the Afterschool Meal Program, offers tips on how to get started, and shares strategies on how to make it a success. Visit FRAC’s website to access the guide and learn more about the Afterschool Meal Program.

Still seeking answers to your afterschool meal questions? Check out a new conference call series on the Afterschool Meal Program. To increase participation, build awareness and provide technical assistance for the Afterschool Meal Program, FRAC is unveiling Afterschool Matters, a new monthly conference call series, to discuss different aspects of the Afterschool Meal Program. Register now for the first Afterschool Matters call

September 14, 1 p.m. -- Conducting Outreach for the Afterschool Meal Program
October 12, 1 p.m. -- Reducing Administrative Barriers
November 16, 1 p.m. – Building School Participation
December 14, 1 p.m. -- Recruiting and Supporting Large Sponsors