2024 Afterschool Meals

How many times have you encountered a child who is “seemingly” having a bad day but does not want to talk about it? You then discover that they have had little to eat, an inadequate amount of water, and froze up while taking a test. They have struggled throughout the day and are feeling uncomfortable around their peers. Explore the connection between the foods we eat and our mental health.

The Summer Food Service Program, Seamless Summer Option, and At-Risk Afterschool component of the CACFP help serve children year-round outside of school hours. Learn about strategies for making these programs operate efficiently, best practices (including for transitioning between programs), and resources for engaging communities and increasing access to nutritious meals when school is not in session.

Youth-serving organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Parks and Recreation Agencies, and YMCAs have long played a leadership role in connecting children to summer and afterschool meals. Hear from out-of-school time leaders on the post-pandemic role of these organizations, how schools and other advocates can partner with them, and policy and programmatic opportunities for connecting more children to meals.

The past several years have seen substantial growth in summer and afterschool meals programs with the additional assistance during COVID. SFSP and Afterschool Meals are both a critical part of comprehensive out-of-school time programs. Explore how to partner with existing sites to sustain and grow participation.  

How do you know when someone is experiencing food insecurity? The contributors of food insecurity are complex and it can be challenging to know if families struggle to put food on the table. CACFP sites are poised to help alleviate food insecurity beyond their program walls. Learn how to support families by creating a food access resource map.

Meal programs are an important outreach tool, but what if your meal program also connected kids with others in their community and had business leaders helping out? Find out the potential with us. Bonus – all the ideas involved are cost-free!

Only 1 in 10 children who qualify for afterschool and out-of-school time meals are receiving them. The CACFP offers a solution to this nationwide problem. Learn how we can combat sending kids home hungry by partnering with sponsoring organizations.

Are you interested in serving afterschool meals at your site but are unsure where to begin? Get an overview of the requirements needed to provide healthy meals at afterschool sites and to receive financial reimbursement. Understand the basics of the CACFP and how afterschool programs can play a crucial role in providing food security to children.