This resource for coaches and athletic directors highlights the benefits of serving meals to student athletes and walks through the options tailoring the program to their needs.

Summary

Student athletes need good nutrition in order to practice and perform. Without healthy fuel, kids can’t grow much less build muscle and endurance. Sadly, some student athletes may struggle to get the food they need because their families can’t afford it: one in seven kids in the U.S. lives in a household facing hunger. Fortunately, your school nutrition department may be able to help by providing afterschool meals and snacks.

This resource covers the basics of afterschool nutrition programs, the benefits of serving afterschool meals and snacks to student athletes, the types of food served through the programs, and additional details about who can eat as well as options for timing and location.