MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The At-Risk Afterschool Program gives children and teenagers the healthy snacks or meals they need and draws them into constructive activities that are safe, fun, and filled with opportunities for learning. The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is currently seeking sponsors to operate the 2018-2019 At-Risk Afterschool Program for Alabama children.
Qualified sponsors are reimbursed for preparing and serving meals to eligible children at their sites. Meals and/or snacks may be served to children in places such as schools, learning centers, community centers, and churches. Training will be provided for sponsors who operate this beneficial, but widely underutilized program that provides snacks or meals to children in needy areas without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Training will be from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 30, and Nov. 29, and will be held at the Gordon Persons Building Auditorium, Plaza Level, 50 N. Ripley St. Montgomery, AL 36130. CACFP staff will discuss the responsibilities of sponsors, program requirements, and best practices.
Youth.gov states that programs such as At-Risk Afterschool are well positioned to promote health and nutrition among young people because these programs:
- Serves many groups of children who are at risk of not maintain a healthy weight.
- Occurs during a time when children are likely to be sedentary if not given active options.
- Reaches children at the developmental stage when they are forming the health patterns they will carry into adulthood.
- Provides meals and snacks that can serve as nutritious examples for dietary habits.
- Acts as liaisons to parents who make critical nutrition and physical activity decisions for their children.
Potential sponsors may contact Kimberlei Ruggles via mail at Alabama State Department of Education, P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, AL, 36130-2101; via telephone at 334-242-9376; or via email at [email protected].
