Nutritious Meals for Children After School
The Supper Program (formerly the At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program) is a federal program made possible by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) that provides free, nutritious meals to students 18 and younger in eligible afterschool enrichment programs. Longer afterschool programs may be able to provide both a supper and a snack. The supper meal served must meet meal pattern requirements set by the USDA, may be served hot or cold, and must be consumed in an on-site, congregate setting.
Examples include:
A turkey sandwich, an apple, carrot sticks, and fat-free or low-fat milk.
Baked chicken, broccoli, apple slices, whole wheat roll, and fat-free/low-fat milk.
WHY THE SUPPER PROGRAM?
1.5 MILLION CHILDREN RECEIVED AN AFTERSCHOOL SUPPER through the available Afterschool Nutrition Programs on an average day in October 2020. (Source: FRAC)
By the time children arrive at their afterschool program, lunch is a distant memory. Kids are often hungry and offering a small snack just isn’t enough.
Why should an afterschool program serve Suppers?
• Students participating in afterschool enrichment programs may not get home until well after 6PM and may have eaten lunch as early as 10AM.
• It helps parents stretch food dollars.
• It increases a child’s capacity to focus on enrichment activities, which furthers his or her education.
• There is funding!
• It can help increase participation in afterschool enrichment programs.