Child and Adult Care Food Program

-After School Nutrition Programs-

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a USDA program administered by the Illinois State Board of Education, and sponsored by NIFB. This program offers economically deprived children a nutritious snack or meal so that they may fully benefit from homework, games, recreation and educational opportunities during the crucial after-school hours. NIFB became a CACFP sponsor during the 2004-2005 school year. There were 21 sites that served an average of 731 students per day. Currently, NIFB sponsors 88 after school sites and provides nutritious snacks and meals to over 3,000 children per day!

What programs are available to sites?

The YNP operates three after school nutrition programs: the After School Snack Program, the SuperSnack/Cold Supper Program and the Hot Supper Program. The After School Snack Program meets the USDA meal guidelines for a supplement/snack, while the SuperSnack and Hot Supper Programs meet the supper guidelines. Take a look at sample menus below!

What is a SuperSnack?

As NIFB responded to inquiries regarding the hot supper program in Rockford, and discussed the nutritional needs of the children already receiving snacks, we learned that for many children, the snack or “pm supplement” was not enough food to fill them during the extended time between a morning lunch at school and dinner at home late in the evening (if that). The educators and the activity staff at partner sites were concerned that the children were not receiving enough nutritionally-based calories to fully benefit from the recreational and educational activities offered. Sites did not have adequate kitchen and other facility requirements needed to serve a hot evening meal but a strong belief that the children needed more.

In response, NIFB proposed a cold supper program – The SuperSnack. Initiated as a pilot in January 2007, 33 of the traditional after school snack sites transitioned to the SuperSnack, the cold supper program. Meeting the USDA requirements of a supper, the SuperSnack – a non-traditional supper and more than a snack – provides an average of 31% of the daily caloric requirements, 24 grams of protein, 100% of the Vitamin C requirements, 50% of the daily calcium requirements, 19% of the daily iron requirements, and 51% of Vitamin A requirements.

Who can participate?

To be eligible for any of the three after school nutrition programs, the school in the attendance area for the youth program must have at least 50% of its students eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program. Sites must offer enrichment activities available to all kids.

What kind of food will kids receive?
Nutrition is an essential part of keeping kids healthy and helping them succeed in school. The snacks and SuperSnacks NIFB provides meet USDA nutrition guidelines and do not require staff preparation. Each snack and meal is made up of milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, whole grains and protein.

SuperSnacks are packed in small cardboard lunchboxes. A typical week from the SuperSnack menu might look like this:

After school snacks are delivered in bulk and sites must follow the menu. A sample week might look like this:

 A sample week from the hot supper menu looks like this:

Do programs have to pay for after school snacks?
Qualifying after-school programs participate free of charge. The USDA, donations and grants fund the programs. 

What is required from youth programs? 
Interested non-profit programs must complete an enrollment application and attach a copy of their FEIN number. Programs not located in schools must also attach violation-free fire and health inspection reports conducted within the last 12 months. An NIFB staff member will then conduct a pre-operational visit to confirm that the facility is capable of participating in the CACFP. All key youth program staff members must attend a training session provided by NIFB. This documentation will then be submitted to ISBE for approval.

Hot Supper site facilities must be equipped with ovens and three-compartment sinks. Valid food permits from the local health department must be displayed. All staff members who prepare and serve the meals must have their food handling and sanitation licenses through the Illinois Department of Public Health.

How will meals or snacks get to sites?
NIFB or a contracted vendor will deliver. Deliveries for the after school snack program are made once a week. Sites receive two deliveries a week for the SuperSnack. Arrangements may be made for pick-ups at branch locations. Hot supper programs will receive a daily delivery.

How can I help?

NIFB relies on the generosity and talent of its of volunteers and donors.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Youth Nutrition Program, please call (630) 443-6910 or email volunteer@northernilfoodbank.org.

If you would like to donate to the After School Programs please click here.

Further Information

For more information on after school nutrition programs call (630) 443-6910 or email hunger@northernilfoodbank.org, ATTN: Youth Nutrition Programs Manager

 
For information on the Illinois State Board of Education’s Child Nutrition Programs, visit www.isbe.net/nutrition or call (800) 545-7892.

In accordance with Federal law and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, you must write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 800.795.3272 (voice) or 202.720.6382 (TTY).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.