Healthy nutrition in children’s earliest years supports their lifelong health and development. Many federal programs are designed to help ensure all families can afford healthy food. Historic cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have reduced the support many families with young children rely on to afford food. Potential reductions to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) would further reduce support. These cuts come as the cost of groceries and other basic needs continues to rise, leaving families with less help to afford food that costs more.
When the final school bell rings, many children transition from the classroom to an afterschool program where they can continue learning, build meaningful connections, and thrive in a safe, supportive environment. Afterschool programs are shown to improve student academic performance, increase student attendance, and help children grow both socially and emotionally. Offering meals through the Afterschool Nutrition Programs can strengthen these benefits while also increasing participation and supporting overall program budgets.
Adequate nutrition is essential to children’s growth, learning, and long-term well-being, and school meal programs, which serve nearly 30 million children each school day, are one of our nation’s most powerful tools for improving nutrition, supporting academic achievement, and advancing children’s health. For many children, school breakfast and lunch are the healthiest and most reliable meals they receive each day. Therefore, expanding access to and supporting the quality of school meals are critical investments in our nation’s children.