The Afterschool Snack Program was authorized by Congress in 1998 to enhance nutrition benefits for all children. This program allows any school that is eligible to operate the National School Lunch Program to receive reimbursement for snacks served to students who are involved in enrichment or education programs after their school day has ended.
During the 2010-2011 school year, 409 schools in South Carolina served over two million snacks. Reimbursement for snacks exceeded $2 million.
Designed to meet the needs of at-risk students, the snack program is available to students up to age 18 who are participating in organized after school activities that meet certain criteria. Homework centers and other tutorial or remedial after school education programs in organized, structured settings meet this criteria. Enrolled students are eligible to receive one snack per day.
To qualify for Federal monies, snacks served must meet specific nutritional requirements. A minimum of two items must be offered from the following four:
- Milk, 8 fl. oz. serving;
- Protein such as meat, cheese or peanut butter, 1 oz. serving;
- Enriched bread or cereal, 1 oz. serving;
- Juice, fruit or vegetable, 3/4 cup serving.
A typical snack would provide a 6 fl. oz. serving of orange juice and a serving of graham crackers, or an 8 fl. oz. serving of milk and a bowl of cereal. Snacks must be planned carefully within cost limitations to provide the best nutrition, safety, and convenience depending on the program schedule and environment.
In an effort to expand access to nutritious afterschool meals for children in the Promise Zone counties and others statewide, the SCDSS CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program (ARAMP) in conjunction with 21st Century Grantees and the Office of Nutrition and Health-SFSP are providing the link below from the scchildcare.org page for Afterschool. (See link below.)
http://www.scchildcare.org/departments/child-and-adult-care-food-program/afterschool-meals-program.aspx
This link will provide direct access to information about the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program. This is an additional resource for organizations/programs that already provide educational and/or enrichment service to children in low income areas. Together we want to continue building on our collaborative efforts to serve the needs of South Carolina’s children.
Non-discrimination Statement
“In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
- mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
- fax: (202) 690-7442; or
- email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.”
External Resources
