Hunger doesn’t end when the school bell rings. For thousands of Oklahoma children, afterschool meal programs provide more than just nourishment—they offer stability, academic support, and a safe place to go. The 2024 Afterschool Meals Report highlights Oklahoma’s progress in serving afterschool meals and the work still needed to ensure every child has access to nutritious food beyond the school day. Check out the new report here.
The Need for Afterschool Meals
One in four children in Oklahoma faces food insecurity, meaning thousands of students across the state may not have access to reliable meals outside of school. Afterschool meal programs help fill this gap by offering free meals and snacks to students in structured, educational settings such as schools, libraries, and community centers.
Programs like the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) At-Risk Component and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Snack Service play a crucial role in addressing this need. They ensure that children and teens participating in afterschool activities receive healthy, federally reimbursed meals.
Oklahoma’s Afterschool Meal Participation: Progress and Challenges
Oklahoma has been a leader in afterschool meal participation, serving 8.5 out of every 100 eligible children, higher than the national average of 6.3. However, there is still work to be done. In the 2022-2023 school year:
- 4.3 million meals were served across 624 sites in 62 counties.
- Average Daily Participation (ADP) dropped by over 50% compared to the previous year.
- Some counties experienced major growth, while others lost sites due to funding, staffing, and logistical challenges.
Spotlight: Chickasha Public Schools Expanding Afterschool Meals
One success story comes from Chickasha Public Schools (CPS), which doubled its Afterschool Meal Program in 2023. Initially serving meals at just one elementary school, CPS expanded the program after witnessing its positive impact on students’ well-being and academic performance.
How They Make It Work:
- CPS’s Child Nutrition Department prepares, packages, and delivers meals to multiple school sites.
- Teachers lead afterschool programs that pair enrichment activities with a nutritious meal.
- Strong community support and volunteer engagement have fueled the program’s growth.
“A lot of kids come hungry to the afterschool programs,” says CPS Child Nutrition Director, Leslie Edwards, “so providing this extra snack or meal is very important for the growth of our kids, as some don’t have the meal option at home.”
Advocating for Better Access
Expanding afterschool meal programs isn’t just a local effort—it requires policy changes at the state and federal levels. Three key ways policymakers can support these programs include:
- Passing an Updated Child Nutrition Reauthorization to modernize program funding and accessibility.
- Streamlining Summer and Afterschool Meal Programs to reduce administrative burdens for schools and community organizations.
- Improving Area Eligibility Requirements to ensure more children in underserved communities qualify for meals.
How Communities Can Help
Oklahoma’s progress in afterschool meal participation has been made possible by a network of schools, nonprofits, libraries, and volunteers working together. Here’s how communities can support these efforts:
- Raise Awareness: Share information about meal sites through school announcements, social media, and local events.
- Volunteer: Many programs rely on volunteers to help distribute meals and assist with enrichment activities.
- Advocate: Contact legislators to support policies that expand funding and access to afterschool meals.
Looking Ahead
While Oklahoma has made strides in providing afterschool meals, there’s still a long way to go. The Afterschool Meals Report serves as a call to action for communities, educators, and policymakers to work together in ensuring that no child goes hungry after school.
By expanding access, advocating for policy changes, and supporting local programs, we can create a future where every child in Oklahoma has access to the food they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
To learn more and find ways to get involved, visit our website.