Snack & Meal Program

Overview

Snack & Meal Programs

There are many ways you can provide snack and/or meal options for your afterschool program. CAN has created a list of organizations and resources that can with your snack and meal efforts-check them out today!

The California Summer Meal Coalition
Statewide network dedicated to fighting childhood hunger and obesity by increasing access to the USDA’s summer food programs. 

California Food Policy Advocates
California Food Policy Advocates is a statewide public policy and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the health and well being of low-income Californians by increasing their access to nutritious and affordable food. California Food Policy Advocates works to educate the public regarding youth food insecurity and connect after school and summer programs to summer food options.

USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency. 

California Department of Education – After School Nutrition
Information and resources about healthy snacks, nutrition education, and physical activity for after school programs.

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Summer Meal Programs, Locations, Resources, and More!

Summer Meals

Summer time is upon us! Be sure to stay on top of eating healthy and staying active! Whether you are a program providing summer meals, kids and teens in an after school program, or a family looking for fresh local produce sources, here are some resources within your reach:  

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Traveling Apple Policy and New Guidance from USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service released new guidance to extend the flexibility to allow participants in the at-risk afterschool component of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to take certain food items off site, this policy is often referred to as the ”Traveling Apple Policy.”

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Snack & Meal Standards for After School Programs

California Department of Education seal

As of January 1, 2014, after school programs have the option to serve a snack, a meal, or both. All snacks provided to students in the CDE’s After School Education and Safety (ASES) programs or the federally funded 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) programs must meet, at a minimum, the California nutrition standards identified below. If snacks are provided through one of the federally reimbursable meal programs, the food must meet both the federal requirements and the California nutrition standards.