By the time children arrive at their afterschool school program, lunch is a distant memory. Their growing bodies need nutritious food to maintain an active level of learning and play. Two federal nutrition programs exist to feed children snack and supper when schools close for the day:
1. NEW! The CACFP At-Risk Supper Program
Provides federal funds to afterschool programs in low-income districts so that they can provide snacks and/or suppers to children age 18 and younger;
Suppers can be as simple as a turkey sandwich, an apple, carrot sticks, and a carton of milk;
Best for afterschool programs sponsored by schools, non-profit organizations, and government agencies (like parks and rec).
2. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Provides federal funds to afterschool programs so that they can serve snacks to children age 18 and younger;
Snacks can be as simple as a carton of milk and a banana;
Available for school based afterschool programs;
During the 2009-2010 school year, nearly one third of all Vermont schools participated in the NSLP Snack Program.
To learn more about the afterschool programs or for technical assistance contact Tracie Clarke, Child Nutrition Advocate, at
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Afterschool Resources
Hunger Free Vermont assists afterschool programs in establishing and expanding meal programs. To determine which meal program is best for your community, contact us.
Best Practices (.pdf) Tips on how to improve meal quality and participation in your afterschool meal program
Summer
Over 35,000 children rely on free and reduced price meals during the school year. When schools close for the summer, children suddenly lose access to their most reliable source of balanced nutrition. The summer nutrition programs bridge that gap.
Today, over 5,000 children access healthy meals and educational activities at 156 sites across Vermont. Sites are located at parks, schools, libraries and existing youth programs. Schools can use a special “seamless” program, which reduces administrative work.
Summer Resources
Click here to download a full list of locations (.pdf) where children ages 18 and under can drop-in for a free meal. Click here for a list of Best Practices (.pdf) to improve meal quality and participation in your summer meal program.
Project Healthy Start grants are awarded to programs that would like to expand participation in their summer food program, or start a new program, but need some extra resources to make it happen. Click here to download an application for a summer food Project Healthy Start grant (.pdf). To learn more about the Project Healthy Start Program, click here. The application deadline for Summer 2011 has passed, but grants will be available again in 2012.
Summer Food Program Webinar Series
The Department of Education and Hunger Free Vermont have a series of webinars planned to help get you started before summer 2012. Save the following dates and stay tuned for more information:
January 11, 2012 from 2-3 pm: Summer Food Planning: The Basics
February 22, 2012 from 2-3 pm: Summer Food Planning Part 2
April 4, 2012 from 2-3 pm: Completing Intent Forms
May 9, 2012 from 2-3 pm: Completing the Online Agreement
Previous webinars include:
The Summer Food Program: Innovative Ideas This informal webinar will gave summer food providers a rare opportunity to connect with other providers throughout Vermont. Topics ranged from local food resources, transportation, and outreach strategies. You can listen to the webinar below:
To learn more about the OOST programs contact Amanda Caron, Child Nutrition Advocate at
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