Afterschool Meals

D.C. Ranks Number One in the Nation for Afterschool Meal Participation   

Afterschool suppers and snacks bridge the hunger gap between lunch and dinner for thousands of children in the District aged 18 and under. These afterschool nutrition programs provide federal funds to community- and faith-based groups, schools, and public recreation centers so they can serve nutritious snacks and meals.  

Children of low-income families need nutritional support outside of school hours, when many parents must work long hours at multiple jobs to make ends meet. By serving nutritious meals and snacks, afterschool programs use food to draw children into neighborhood programs that keep them safe and engaged.  

 The Afterschool Meal Program is available through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and is administered through D.C.’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).