The federal child nutrition programs provide critical funding for meals and snacks in afterschool, summer, and before school programs. The federally-subsidized meals and snacks attract children to out-of-school-time programs, where they can be active, engaged and safe while their parents are at work. The food also helps keep hunger at bay so children can fully participate in the activities going on at the program.

Providing healthy meals and snacks is particularly important given the rapidly increasing prevalence of childhood obesity in the U.S. Since 1980 the number of young people who are overweight has more than tripled. By providing healthy food, nutrition programs can play a critical role in preventing obesity and improving overall health.

FRAC’s Afterschool Resource Center provides a variety of information, best practices, outreach materials, tools and strategies to help afterschool providers and anti-hunger advocates get more healthy snacks and meals to children.

Click on the links to the left to learn more about these programs, how you can participate, and ways to ensure that children have access to healthy and nutritious meals.

NEW! FRAC's Guide to Planning a Summer Food Site Visit (pdf)

NEW! FRAC's Child Nutrition Blog!

NEW! FRAC has developed a Summer Outreach Toolkit. Visit the toolkit page for tips and materials to help you promote the Summer Food Program.