2026 Afterschool Meals

Discover how data-driven strategies can revolutionize your afterschool program. Explore practical tools and techniques to harness the power of analytics, turning raw data into actionable insights that elevate key performance indicators (KPIs). Learn to build intuitive dashboards, track participation trends and identify opportunities for growth in your program.

When one sponsor oversees many afterschool sites, success depends on managing them all effectively. Explore how to scale programs successfully by building strong systems before expansion, training staff consistently and providing ongoing support. Understand how intentional monitoring can drive continuous improvement while ensuring accountability across all sites.

Year-round feeding is important to address food security. Summer food service (SFSP) sponsors can play a key role by also sponsoring at-risk afterschool (ARAS). Explore the key steps and decisions needed to transition from SFSP sponsorship to ARAS. Get guidance on how to navigate program changes, strengthen operational readiness and build meaningful connections that support successful implementation.

Did you know that federal funding is available to help cover the cost of afterschool snacks and suppers served at sites? This program, which has been available since 2010, is a key way to draw down reimbursement and support your overall operations. Learn about emerging trends and opportunities to get started!

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.