Back to school comes with making new friends, riding the bus, laughing during school lunch, practicing for fall sports and more. For some kids, it is also a return to the security of knowing that they will receive free meals and sometimes even groceries for their family from their school. One in five children in our region are living in a household that may struggle to afford or access enough nutritious food. Schools are a well-positioned and trusted source to meet the food needs of students through school meals and beyond.
Children facing hunger often rely on schools for their daily nutritional needs. Though schools and community sponsors step in to ensure that kids have access to meals, there is still room to reach more kids, improve existing programs and lessen the stigma of meal programs. The Food Bank works with schools and community organizations to reach more kids. Together, we can ensure that children have the food they need to learn and to grow healthy and strong.
Federally Funded Child Nutrition Programs
Federal child nutrition programs reduce food insecurity, improve health, and support academic achievement. If your student could benefit from these resources, contact your local school to find out more information about programs offered to students in your district.
- School Breakfast Program (SBP) is free for all students in Pennsylvania, and many schools operate an alternative breakfast model to provide breakfast outside of the cafeteria. Models like breakfast in the classroom or grab n’ go help more students start their day with a healthy meal.
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides nutritious meals that include milk, vegetables, fruit, protein and grain items. Qualifying students can receive free lunch by completing the free and reduced-price application with their school.
- Many schools in the area participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) where all students can access free breakfast and lunch regardless of income.
- Afterschool programs often provide snacks or dinners for students through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) or Afterschool Snack Program (ASP), easing the burden for families who are juggling homework, evening activities and preparing for the next school day.
Food for Students to Take Home
Schools and community organizations play a key role in supporting families outside of school by implementing non-federally funded programs, such as weekend backpack and school pantry programs.
- Backpack Programs distribute bags of kid-friendly food items that are often discreetly distributed to students to take home to supplement their weekend food needs.
- School Pantries are in a school or at a youth-serving program and provide groceries, usually designed to serve the whole family. Pantries often also offer non-food items like toiletries, hygiene products and clothes.
Child Nutrition Team Support
Our child nutrition team offers support to partners looking to start, expand or improve these programs that feed kids. Schools and other community organizations can click here to apply for partnership.
Our school year impact grants are now open. Grants help with equipment, supplies and other items needed to improve child nutrition programs. Apply now!
We collect and share both local and national best practices that can help solve common issues. We also support partners in overcoming barriers to program implementation. Contact us at childnutrition@pittsburghfoodbank.org for any child nutrition program questions.
We wish all students the best of luck during this school year and are excited to partner with so many amazing schools and community organizations dedicated to feeding the next generation!