![\"1.5](\"https:\/\/growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net\/sites\/1980\/2021\/01\/1.5-million-afterschool-a7b338ec-169e-47e6-b702-4f55f412deff.png\" "\\"1.5")
\nThe final school bell has\u00a0rung\u00a0and kids have arrived at your afterschool program, which is buzzing with energy. Several kids are busy finishing their homework, others begin an arts and craft\u00a0project\u00a0and some are playing basketball. You know they are safe and engaged\u00a0and also\u00a0nourished, because you are also providing a healthy snack\u00a0and\/or supper.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n
For many children, that\u00a0afterschool\u00a0snack\u00a0and\/or supper is more than just a bite to eat. It may be the only nutritious meal they have between lunch and breakfast the next day. And for programs like yours, making sure every child is nourished can be a big responsibility, especially on a tight budget.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n
That’s\u00a0where the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) comes in.<\/b>\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n
The CACFP is federally funded, state-administered\u00a0and designed to fight child hunger and improve nutrition. Participating in the CACFP strengthens afterschool programming and supports working families. Through the CACFP, afterschool programs across the country can receive reimbursement for snacks and suppers served to children in eligible areas. Not only can you serve meals after school, but the CACFP afterschool meal program also allows meals to be served on weekends\u00a0and\u00a0school breaks\u00a0during the school year. This program helps you stretch your\u00a0resources,\u00a0support working\u00a0families\u00a0and give kids the nutrition they need to stay focused,\u00a0safe\u00a0and thriving after school.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n
Whether you run a school-based program, a nonprofit community center or a faith-based youth program, the CACFP\u00a0at-risk afterschool program can help you make every afternoon count.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUSDA ARAS Handbook\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n Over\u00a013 million children\u00a0face hunger,\u00a0and one in every five children\u00a0is\u00a0unsure where they will get their next meal.<\/p>\n Currently,\u00a0almost\u00a027,000\u00a0sites\u00a0serve\u00a0afterschool\u00a0meals or snacks\u00a0and\u00a01.2 million children\u00a0afterschool\u00a0supper,\u00a0and\u00a0yet\u00a0only\u00a0one in 16 children who received a free or reduced-price lunch was served by an afterschool food program. With millions of children not receiving\u00a0meals\u00a0it is critical to support the expansion of\u00a0afterschool\u00a0meal programs. As many children leave school each day unsure if they will have supper at home, or if their next meal\u00a0won’t\u00a0be until they return to school the following day, your organization can help fill the gap.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n Room for Growth<\/strong><\/p>\n With millions of children eligible but not reached, expanding the\u00a0CACFP\u00a0afterschool\u00a0meals\u00a0program is both a need and an opportunity. Your organization can help fill the gap.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n Research shows:<\/strong><\/p>\n Many children rely on free or reduced-price meals served by school or\u00a0child care\u00a0centers during the day. But hunger does not end when school is out.\u202f During the school year,\u00a0at-risk\u00a0afterschool\u00a0(ARAS)\u00a0is the answer for operators wanting to provide nutritious meals after school, during school closures and on weekends. ARAS offers the opportunity to further\u00a0impact\u00a0the lives of our nation’s youth. In out-of-school time\u00a0hours,\u00a0children and teenagers need\u00a0supervision,\u00a0support\u00a0and nutrition to continue learning and growing. Through the CACFP, organizations in eligible areas can serve free meals and snacks to youth 18 and under (or who turn 19 during the school year) while also offering safe, enriching environments.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\t Benefits of serving meals through ARAS<\/strong><\/p>\n Who can participate?<\/strong><\/p>\n Organization\u00a0may\u00a0participate\u00a0in the\u00a0CACFP as an at-risk afterschool site, either as an independent afterschool program or through a sponsor. Independent programs contract directly with the State agency. Working with a sponsor minimizes the paperwork burden and increases technical\u00a0assistance.\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind a Sponsor\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind a Contact\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t Site Eligibility:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Afterschool\u00a0programs that meet the requirements below are eligible to receive reimbursement for meals and snacks.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n To\u00a0participate\u00a0in the\u00a0CACFP as an at-risk afterschool site, a program must:\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n Organization Eligibility:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Afterschool\u00a0sites must be\u00a0operated\u00a0by an eligible organization to receive reimbursement. These organizations must meet State and\/or local licensing or health and safety standards and must be\u00a0operated\u00a0by public agencies (such as schools or city governments), tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, eligible for-profit centers and organizations\u00a0operating\u00a0other federal programs that require nonprofit status.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n Examples of Eligible Organizations:\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n Required Training:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Annual training is\u00a0required\u00a0for staff\u00a0operating\u00a0the CACFP. Training includes meal pattern information, record-keeping\u00a0requirements\u00a0and civil rights compliance.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n All meals and snacks must meet the CACFP meal pattern requirements.\u202f The CACFP meal patterns are designed to meet the needs of children and are based on the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs).\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n There are five meal components in the CACFP: grains, vegetables, fruits, meats\/meat\u00a0alternates\u00a0and fluid milk.\u00a0<\/p>\n A creditable breakfast requires\u00a0three meal\u00a0components: fluid milk, fruits and\/or vegetables,\u00a0and grains. The entire grains\u00a0component\u00a0may be substituted with meats\/meat alternates no\u00a0more than three times per week.\u00a0<\/p>\n A creditable lunch or supper will include all five of the meal components. There is an\u00a0exception to this rule, which is that a second, different\u00a0vegetable\u00a0may be served in place of the\u00a0fruits\u00a0component. Also, when serving adults, the fluid milk\u00a0component\u00a0at supper is optional.\u00a0<\/p>\n Creditable snacks consist of two different meal components. Though not\u00a0required, it is\u00a0a best\u00a0practice to make one of the meal components of a\u00a0snack\u00a0either\u00a0a fruit\u00a0or\u00a0a vegetable.\u00a0<\/p>\n The meal pattern\u00a0states\u00a0the required minimum serving size for each meal\u00a0component. You can\u00a0serve more food if needed, but the reimbursement rate\u00a0remains\u00a0the same.\u00a0<\/p>\n The meal pattern is component-based and supports proper nutrition by age group. It includes the following 5 meal components:\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t Grains<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n Vegetables<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n Fruits<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n Meats<\/b>\/Meat Alternates<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n Fluid Milk<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n Download the meal pattern reference cards for free at\u00a0cacfp.org\/meal-patterns<\/b><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u202fARAS sites can serve one snack and one supper after school. During the school year on weekends and during school closures, ARAS may serve one meal (breakfast,\u00a0lunch\u00a0or supper) and one snack.\u202f\u202fNote: Different rules apply for summer\u00a0program.\u00a0See our SUN Meals page<\/a><\/strong> for summer options.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\t ARAS operators can\u00a0determine\u00a0their meal service model. Operators can:\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n ARAS meals and\/or snacks must be served in a congregate setting. However, there are no federal requirements for how much time must pass between the end of school and the meal service. Additionally, there is no requirement for the order of the meal and snack service. However, States may establish\u00a0meal time\u00a0requirements.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n ARAS does provide for some meal service\u00a0flexibilities.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n Recordkeeping and Reporting\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The site must track attendance and record meal counts. Use daily forms or approved electronic systems to document the number of meals served and daily attendance.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n Each month, claims must be\u00a0submitted\u00a0for reimbursement. If you are working with a sponsor, the sponsor will\u00a0submit\u00a0claims to the State agency on your behalf.\u202f\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n 1. Find a Sponsor or Contact Your State Agency<\/strong><\/p>\n A CACFP Sponsoring Organization (Sponsor) may help you claim reimbursement for the meals and snacks that you serve through the CACFP. They ensure that you are compliant with state and federal rules and assist you in proper reporting and other administrative functions. Visit info.cacfp.org\/sponsor<\/a> <\/strong>to find a Sponsor in your\u00a0state.\u00a0<\/p>\n You may also be eligible to become a Sponsor yourself. If you\u00a0operate\u00a0multiple\u00a0child care\u00a0centers, adult day care centers, at-risk afterschool\u00a0programs\u00a0or emergency shelters, you can\u00a0contact your\u00a0State\u00a0agency to find out if you are eligible. If you\u00a0are\u00a0a family\u00a0child care\u00a0home,\u00a0you must have a Sponsor\u00a0in order to\u00a0participate\u00a0in the food program.\u00a0If you are an independent center, you also have the\u00a0option\u00a0to enter into an agreement\u00a0directly through your\u00a0State\u00a0agency. Visit cacfp.org\/usda-state-agencies<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>to find\u00a0the\u00a0contact\u00a0in your state.\u00a0<\/p>\n 2. Determine\u00a0Your Site Eligibility\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Your Sponsor or State agency can help you figure out eligibility. The table below serves as a general guideline of what to expect based on the type\u00a0of care facility you\u00a0operate.\u00a0Once your eligibility is\u00a0determined, you can start receiving reimbursement based on the number of CACFP creditable meals and snacks served to\u00a0those in your care. For the current reimbursement rates, visit cacfp.org\/rates-of-reimbursement<\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t 3. Receive CACFP Training<\/strong><\/p>\n Your Sponsor or State agency will provide you with training. NCA also hosts multiple training webinars throughout the year, which you can find at\u00a0info.cacfp.org\/calendar<\/a> <\/strong>or watch on demand at cacfp.org\/learning-center.<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n 4. Participate in the CACFP<\/b><\/p>\n Once\u00a0you’re\u00a0approved to\u00a0operate\u00a0the CACFP,\u00a0now\u00a0it’s\u00a0time to start serving nutritious meals and\u00a0snacks! Here are some questions to ask yourself:\u00a0<\/p>\n Remember,\u00a0you’re\u00a0not in this\u00a0alone! There are many valuable, free resources available at\u00a0cacfp.org<\/a> <\/strong>to help you ensure that the food\u00a0you’re\u00a0serving is reimbursable.\u00a0<\/p>\n 5. Become a CACFP Expert<\/b><\/p>\n Stay\u00a0up-to-date\u00a0on meal pattern guidance and food program policy. In addition to speaking\u00a0with your Sponsor or State agency, here are three things that you can do:\u00a0<\/p>\n The National CACFP Association\u00a0advocates for\u00a0policies that strengthen the\u00a0CACFP for at-risk afterschool sites.\u00a0<\/p>\n Advocacy Priorities<\/b>\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can help by:\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) operates CACFP ARAS and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) through its “Be Mighty” program. The Be Mighty program runs in 11 branches throughout the Little Rock, Arkansas area and serves over 63,000 meals and snacks each year.\u00a0<\/p>\n Although libraries may not be set up to cook meals on site and may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of accessing meals, Be Mighty has found a model that is successful. Be Mighty’s CACFP sponsoring organization, Bridge 2 Success, also\u00a0acts as their vendor and prepares\u00a0and delivers creditable suppers and snacks to\u00a0all of\u00a0the libraries each school day. Jessica raves about the menus created by Bridge 2 Success. The meals are hot and fresh and include delicious items like chili mac, chicken and dumplings and walking tacos.\u00a0<\/p>\n One of the primary goals of libraries is to promote education and literacy. But\u00a0it’s\u00a0well known that children can’t learn on an empty stomach and their educational outcomes improve when they have consistent access to nutritious meals. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t Libraries can play a significant role in their communities by providing educational resources and programming, but also by helping to address food access and food insecurity.\u00a0<\/p>\n Indiana Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs (BGCIN)\u202fis also a sponsor of 42 clubs\u00a0participating\u00a0in CACFP At-Risk Afterschool and 16 clubs\u00a0participating\u00a0in SFSP. During the school year, BGCIN ensures meals to around 8,500 children, and during the summer they support meal service to approximately 3,000 children.\u00a0<\/p>\n BGCIN also gets their kids involved with the meals. Most of their clubs do taste test activities with the kids in August when the afterschool programs are starting back up, so that the kids can provide their feedback on the types of foods they like and\u00a0don’t\u00a0like. BGCIN uses their feedback to adapt their menus for the rest of the year. Lana thinks this feedback is invaluable, because\u00a0they’ve\u00a0learned that the kids love foods that BGCIN\u00a0wouldn’t\u00a0have thought kids would eat (boiled eggs) and\u00a0didn’t\u00a0like foods they thought the kids would enjoy. Plus, taste tests are a lot of fun for kids and staff!\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t The CACFP helps their clubs offer opportunities to serve better and more nutritious options to the kids. The children are getting access to healthier foods than what they would get outside of the program.\u00a0They’ve\u00a0even received letters from parents thanking them for providing food for their kids, because busy work schedules prevent them from being home to give their children dinner.\u00a0<\/p>\n No. Meals\u00a0at an at-risk afterschool site\u00a0must be part of a broader program that includes supervised, organized enrichment activities.\u202f<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tWhat if I don’t have a kitchen?\u202f\n\t\t\t\t Many sites work with vendors, caterers or plan meals that do not require a commercial kitchen. Meals and snacks must meet CACFP requirements, but they do not have to be prepared onsite.\u202f<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tCan I serve meals on weekends or school holidays?\u202f\n\t\t\t\t Yes,\u00a0as long as\u00a0your site is\u00a0operating\u00a0eligible programming during the school year.\u202f<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tHow are meals reimbursed?\u202f\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\tWhy the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool meals program matters?\n\t<\/h2>\n\t
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\n\t\tARAS Program Overview\n\t<\/h2>\n\t
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\n\t\tARAS Meal Service\n\t<\/h2>\n\t
![\"2025](\"https:\/\/growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net\/sites\/1980\/2025\/08\/2025-Meal-Pattern-for-Guidance-cacfp.org_.jpg\" "\\"2025")
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![\"Fruit\"](\"https:\/\/growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net\/sites\/1980\/2025\/11\/Fruit.png\" "\\"Fruit\\"")
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![\"Milk\"](\"https:\/\/growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net\/sites\/1980\/2025\/11\/Milk.png\" "\\"Milk\\"")
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\n\t\tJoining Made Easy\u202f\n\t<\/h2>\n\t
![\"At-Risk](\"https:\/\/growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net\/sites\/1980\/2026\/01\/At-Risk-Afterschool-Sites-2.png\" "\\"At-Risk")
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\n\t\tMake a Difference: Advocacy for At-Risk Afterschool Programs\u202f \n\t<\/h2>\n\t
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\n\t\tCentral Arkansas Library System\n\t<\/h1>\n
\n\t\tAt-Risk Afterschool Site\n\t<\/h3>\n\t
![\"First](\"https:\/\/growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net\/sites\/1980\/2025\/10\/First-Hot-n-Fresh-Meal-Service.jpg\" "\\"First")
\n\t\n\t\tIndiana Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs\n\t<\/h1>\n
\n\t\tAt-Risk Afterschool Site\n\t<\/h3>\n\t
![\"IAofBGC\"](\"https:\/\/growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net\/sites\/1980\/2026\/01\/IAofBGC.jpg\" "\\"IAofBGC\\"")
\n\t\n\t\tFrequently Asked Questions\n\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\tCan I serve meals without structured programming?\u202f\n\t\t\t\t