October 7, 2010
TO: Sponsors of the National School Lunch Program Administering Afterschool Snack Programs
RE: Afterschool Snack Program
Sponsors of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) administering Afterschool Snack Programs are required to be in compliance with federal counting, claiming, and snack meal pattern regulations.
Afterschool Snack Program Regulations
- The NSLP Sponsor must have final administrative and management responsibility for the snack provision, including the site, although it does not have to use the school's personnel.
- The purpose of the afterschool program must be to provide care in after school settings with educational or enrichment activities in an organized, structured and supervised environment.
- Snacks claimed for reimbursement must only be served to children after their school day has ended.
- Snacks served before or during the child's school day are not eligible for reimbursement
- Snacks served must meet the menu pattern for snacks. (See attached Afterschool Snack Program - Required Menu Pattern)
- Portion sizes must meet the minimum requirement for the age group served
- Two (2) meal components must be taken by the student for the snack to be counted for reimbursement.
- One (1) snack per child, per day may be claimed for reimbursement.
- Schools qualify for snack reimbursement based on the numbers of free and reduced price children enrolled in the school using the most recent October data.
- Sponsors administering afterschool snacks must review each site twice in a school year. The first review must be conducted during the first four weeks of the school year or within four weeks of the beginning of the afterschool snack service. The second review can be conducted any time during the remainder of the school year.
- Sponsors must maintain the following records:
- Documentation of an afterschool care program at the site that offers educational or enrichment activities for students
- Documentation of compliance with meal pattern requirements (menu production records)
- Documentation of individual children's attendance on a daily basis
- Accurate daily counts of snacks served to eligible children
- Site visit review reports
- ODE will review the afterschool snack program as part of its general oversight of the NSLP through the Coordinated Review Effort (CRE).
Afterschool snacks fill the gap between the lunch students receive at school and supper. This program helps ensure that children and youth receive the nutrition they need to learn, play and grow. Thank you for your interest in the Afterschool Snack Program.
If you have any questions, please contact your assigned Child Nutrition Specialist.
Sincerely,
Heidi Dupuis
Manager, School Nutrition
Child Nutrition Programs
Office of the Superintendent
Enclosure: Snack Required Menu Pattern 