After School Snack Program in Schools and Child Care Institutions

Schools and Child Care Institutions can now receive cash reimbursement from the United States Department of Agriculture through RIDE from nutritious snacks served to children through age 18 if the children are participating in after school care programs.  Good nutrition is essential to full physical and cognitive development.  After school snacks help children get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow.  Organized, structured, and supervised programs that provide nutritious snacks after school enable children to think and behave better.  Healthy snacking contributes to healthy eating patterns now and in the future.

Schools operating the National School Lunch Program are eligible to participate in the After School Snack Program when they provide educational or enrichment activities in an organized, structured, and supervised environment after the end of the school day.  Childcare institutions interested in participating must operate in after school care program at an “area eligible” site.  “Area eligible” sites are those located in the attendance area of a school in which at least 50 percent of the enrolled students have been certified as eligible for free or reduced-price meals