Meals for Children in After School Programs
Snacks and meals (suppers) are available through Nutritional Development Services (NDS) for schools and community groups/churches providing children with after school enrichment programs. These meals are free if the program qualifies. NDS provides this meal service to programs throughout the five county area.
Meal Options & Nutrition
The snack menu usually consists of an enriched grain item, such as graham crackers, pretzels, and 100% fruit juice, yogurt, or milk.
The cold supper menu includes items such as sandwiches, yogurt, bread sticks and pizza sauce, 100% fruit juice, fresh fruit, and milk.
The hot supper menu includes items such as, pizza, hamburgers, spaghetti & meatballs, chicken nuggets, and 100% fruit juice, fresh or cooked fruits and vegetables, and milk.
Both snack and suppers follow meal patterns that provide children with a variety of nutrients. Both supper menus are designed to provide children with 1/3 of their daily requirement for calories, vitamins, and minerals. New menus are written each month. Click here to view menus.
Requirements for Participation
In order to participate in the after school snack or supper program, an organization must:
- Provide school-aged children with enrichment programming outside of school hours
- Be located in an area where the majority of students at the local public school receive free or reduced price meal benefits
- Be non-profit with proof of 501c-3 status
- Have at least 30 children in attendance everyday
- Have refrigeration (and heating equipment, if necessary) for at least 2 days worth of meals
- Attend an annual training at NDS
- Maintain monthly paperwork
Click here to watch a two minute video about the program.
Contact us if you are interested offering this program.
Other Information
NDS is a sponsor of this federal program that is run by NDS under contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. School have the option to be their own sponsor and can contract directly with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. For more information about direct sponsorship see PDE's website.
For more information about federal after school meals, visit the USDA website.
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