2026 Afterschool Meals

Across the country, sponsors and advocates are working to expand participation in summer and afterschool nutrition programs. A key perspective often missing is the most important one: the participants themselves. Learn best practices from youth-serving organizations on expanding access by uplifting and incorporating the voices of the youth they serve.

When budgets are tight and resources scarce, innovation becomes essential. Hear real-world strategies for building strong child nutrition programs with little to no money. Learn how to stretch resources, leverage community partnerships and turn barriers into breakthroughs so kids thrive, even when funding is limited.

Think fresh food isn’t possible without a full commercial kitchen or full-time cook? Think again. Learn how one rural Boys & Girls Club ditched processed snacks for nourishing meals by tapping into local partnerships, rethinking menus and working creatively within the CACFP and SFSP.