Improving Nutrition in Afterschool Programs

About this grant

Among the many problems that U.S. children, particularly low-income children, face are hunger, poor diets and lack of exercise. Afterschool programs have the potential to address these issues through efforts to improve nutrition, health and the ability to learn. This grant will enable the Food Research and Action Center to improve and expand nutrition services for school-aged children in afterschool programs. Multiyear funding will support activities that include informing and motivating afterschool program operators regarding issues of nutrition, physical activity and health; providing technical assistance and support for afterschool program operators in five to 10 key states; connecting afterschool nutrition to school wellness policies; reaching out to parents to improve the home environment and develop parent wellness advocacy; and improving the policy environment to ensure the best possible structure and adequate federal and state funding streams for nutrition programs.The Food Research and Action Center, founded in 1970, is a leading national organization working to improve public policies to eradicate hunger and under nutrition in the U.S.