Report: More Michigan Children Eating Snacks, Supper While Attending Afterschool Activities

Programs Address Child Hunger

LANSING – Michigan is increasing children’s access to afterschool suppers and snacks through programs to address hunger, according to data in a recently released report.

In the 2022-23 school year, Michigan increased by 7.8% from the year before the average number of students served daily through the At-Risk Afterschool Supper Program, the report from the Food and Research Action Center said. This program is administered in Michigan through the Child and Adult Care Food Program at the Michigan Department of Education. Michigan’s increase was higher than the national average, with more than half the states experiencing decreased participation, said the center, which is an anti-hunger advocacy organization.

There were 14,883 Michigan children served daily in the after school program, which provides nutritious food to children in low-income areas who are participating in organized, supervised afterschool educational and enrichment activities open to all, such as tutoring, language and science clubs, and intramural sports.

The report also found that Michigan increased by nearly 1,100 the number of children receiving food through the Afterschool Snack Program from October 2022 to October 2023, an increase that also was higher than the national average. 

“Many children participate in valuable enrichment activities through sports and other extra-curricular activities after school,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “For some children, afterschool programs also provide a chance to eat healthy snacks or supper that they may not be able to get at home due to food insecurity. The availability of after-school food helps more students stay well fed, active, and engaged.”

Afterschool supper and snacks support Goal 3 of Michigan’s Top Ten Strategic Education Plan, to improve the health, safety, and wellness of all learners.

There is more work to be done, as participation rates in the afterschool programs nationally are still lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides funding for the Afterschool Nutrition Programs, which includes the Afterschool Snack Program and At-risk Afterschool Supper Program that provide food that meets nutrition guidelines.   

The layering of At-Risk Afterschool Snacks/Suppers with Michigan School Meals – which provides free breakfast and lunch to public school students – allows for children to receive three nutritious meals per school day. Children can eat suppers and snacks that include nutritious foods such as Michigan vegetables, fruits and dairy products. 

Parents can check with their school district or community organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, or YWMCA to see if they offer afterschool programming with supper and snacks. They can also check out the USDA Afterschool Programs website, the At-Risk Afterschool Meals Guide, and the MDE Child and Adult Food Program at 517-241-5353 or mde-cacfp@michigan.gov.

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