The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) released its latest Afterschool Meals Report. The report, released annually, reviews participation in the Afterschool Supper Program, a component of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). CACFP is a federally funded program, administered by states, and provides reimbursement to programs and sponsors that serve healthy meals and snacks to children in care settings.
Despite a slight increase in participation across the nation, participation fell in New York state. In October 2024, fewer than 5 out of every fifteen children receiving a free or reduced-price school lunch received an afterschool supper, a 2% reduction in participation compared to October 2023. Overall, participation in afterschool meals has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Increasing participation in afterschool meals draws down more federal reimbursement which can help make a difference in program operations, freeing up more funding for high quality enrichment programming.
Many afterschool programs are eligible to serve afterschool meals through CACFP, but do not participate. To help NY meet FRAC’s benchmark of reaching fifteen out of every 100 low-income children with afterschool meals collaboration and awareness is key. Recreation departments, community-based organizations, schools, and more may be eligible to offer afterschool meals through CACFP.
Learn more about CACFP Afterschool Meals:
- Visit AfterschoolMealsNY.org
- Read about how CACFP Ambassadors are tailoring their meal programs to meet the needs of their participants.
- Learn more about FRAC’s Afterschool Meal Report
To apply for CACFP, contact the NYS Department of Health:
- Call: (518) 402-7400
Email: cacfp@health.ny.gov using the subject line “Outreach Coordinator” - Use the CACFP prescreening tool to help determine eligibility.
