ATTENTION:  SUPERINTENDENTS, PRINCIPALS, CHILD NUTRITION DIRECTOS, AND CHILD NUTRITION MANAGERS

Local Education Agencies/School Food Authorities (LEA/SFA) approved to operate the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) may also offer the Afterschool Snack Program (ASP) and receive federal reimbursement through the NSLP for reimbursable snacks served to students.   In order to qualify for ASP the district must conduct regularly scheduled activities in a structured environment that include educational instruction or enrichment.  This would include tutoring, assistance with homework, or some type of mentoring for enrolled students.  This does not include afterschool care if an instruction or enrichment component is not included.

LEAs may begin the ASP any time during the school year.  Prior to beginning the ASP, the completed Schedule B must first be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Child Nutrition Unit (CNU) for approval.  The Schedule B is located on the ADE, Child Nutrition Unit website under forms.  No reimbursement for snacks served to students will be paid without the submission and approval of the Schedule B.

 Individual schools within the LEA are considered Area Eligible if at least fifty percent (50%) of their enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced meals.  Area Eligibility is determined by individual school.  It is not a district wide determination.  Schools that are determined to be Area Eligible may serve all snacks at no charge to students and the snacks should be claimed at the free reimbursement rate on each monthly Child Nutrition claim. 

Snacks served to students and claimed for federal reimbursement must meet the ASP meal pattern which is available on ADE, Child Nutrition website at the following link:

https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/child-nutrition-unit/meal-pattern

While participating in the ASP, the SFA must complete the on-site review form.  This form must be completed two (2) times during the time that snacks are served.  The first on-site review must be completed within the first four (4) weeks of snack service.  All program documentation must be retained and kept on file for five (5) years.   

The ASP On-site Review form and Schedule B are available at the ADE, Child Nutrition link below.

https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/child-nutrition-unit/forms

The link below to the United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) website provides additional helpful information including an ASP fact sheet and frequently asked questions.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/afterschool-snacks

If you have additional questions about the ASP, contact your Area Specialist at 501-324-9502.