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What Is the Afterschool Snack Program?
The Afterschool Snack Program is a component of the National School Lunch Program and is a federally assisted snack service that fills the afternoon hunger gap for children. The funding and program guidelines are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration. At the state level, it is administered by state agencies, through agreements with local school food authorities (SFAs). SFAs are ultimately responsible for the administration of the snack service.
The Afterschool Snack Program provides a nutritious snack from two or more different food items to help students meet their nutritional needs between the lunch and evening meal.
The program provides federal reimbursement (paid, reduced-price and/or free) to participating schools and residential childcare institutions (RCCIs) for providing reimbursable snacks during the school week in a supervised educational afterschool program.
Who Is Eligible?
For a site to participate, an approved sponsor must operate or "sponsor" the National School Lunch Program and plan to operate an afterschool or extended day program.
A site must provide organized, regularly scheduled activities, including an educational or enrichment activity, in a structured and supervised environment.
Examples of eligible activities include homework assistance, tutoring, supervised "drop-in" athletic programs, extended day programs, drama activities, and arts and crafts programs.
Organized interscholastic programs or community-level competitive sports are not eligible to participate.
Children aged 18 or under (at the start of the school year) are eligible for the program.
What Are the Benefits to Students, Schools and Communities?
The Afterschool Snack Program allows students additional access to low-fat and fat-free milks, enriched and whole-grain breads and cereals, and fruits and vegetables, many of which are locally grown, Florida products.
The program provides additional school-based educational and enrichment opportunities for students in afterschool care settings.
What Role Do We Play?
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS):
- Provides guidance, training and technical assistance to schools and RCCIs operating the Afterschool Snack Program.
- Provides reimbursement for compliant snacks served.
- Conducts program reviews to ensure participating programs follow program guidelines.
How Does a School or RCCI Become a Sponsor of the Afterschool Snack Program?
A school or RCCI currently operating as a National School Lunch Program sponsor in Florida may add the Afterschool Snack Program to any of its eligible site applications in the online FANS (Florida Automated Nutrition System).
- In FANS, under the Site Application Module, program staff should check the “Afterschool Snack Program (Snack)” checkbox C, complete the new "Snack" tab, and submit the updated application.
- A sample planned menu on the correct Menu Planning Template should also be completed, uploaded, and submitted with the FANS Site application.
Where Can I Find More Information on the Afterschool Snack Program?
For more information, visit Frequently Asked Questions About the Afterschool Snack Program.
Requirements for Sponsors
To participate in the Afterschool Snack Program, schools or RCCIs must already sponsor the National School Lunch Program and complete the necessary updates to their site applications through FDACS.
Once approved, sponsors will be reimbursed by FDACS for each snack served, provided the program meets established state and federal regulations.
Sponsors must:
- Offer snacks only in conjunction with an afterschool program that provides educational or enrichment activities (e.g., tutoring, arts and crafts, or supervised athletic programs);
- Meet meal pattern requirements by offering two components from the following groups: fluid milk, fruit/vegetable, grain/bread, or meat/meat alternate;
- Complete daily meal count forms to document the number of snacks served by eligibility category (free, reduced-price and paid);
- Maintain records, including snack production records, inventory records, and receipts for program income and expenditures;
- Conduct and document on-site accountability reviews of snack service at least twice per school year; and
- Submit claims for reimbursement that accurately reflect the number of snacks served to eligible children.
FDACS will conduct periodic reviews to ensure sponsors comply with program requirements, including eligibility and meal pattern standards.
To learn more about the program, see Laws, Regulations and State Rules.