Nutrition Programs for Children & Teens
It’s nearly impossible for kids to sit still and focus when they don’t have enough to eat. Teens with empty stomachs can’t concentrate on studying at home or key exams at school. And the effects of hunger reach well beyond the classroom — influencing health, well-being and earning potential well into adulthood.
Thanks to longtime community partnerships, the Food Bank provides nutritious food and support to area families year-round — connecting kids and teens with the resources they need to succeed and thrive. Through school-based pantries, meals and snacks at afterschool programs, take-home options for weekends and school breaks, and breakfast and lunches at summer meal sites, our Child Nutrition team works closely with local agencies and school districts to meet children, parents, and caregivers where they are throughout the year.
Summer Meals for Families
Since 2008, the Food Bank has partnered with local organizations to serve breakfast and lunch to children and teens through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Summer meal sites are located at easily–accessible locations including community centers, churches, and summer camps during months when schools are closed — providing nutritious food options along with outdoor recreation and summer reading initiatives. In 2023, Food Bank partners served more than 51,000 meals to children and teens across 17 counties!
Youth Pantries at Schools & Colleges
Youth Pantries support students and families with no-cost food resources at public and private schools, colleges and university campuses, and nearby community- and faith-based organizations. These secure, temperature-controlled spaces accommodate a wide range of options, from market-style shopping to pre-packed food boxes. Since the first Youth Pantry opened in 2014, the program has grown to 20 campuses, supporting more than 4,500 individuals each year with fresh and frozen produce, meat, dairy products and pantry staples.
Kids Cafes
For nearly 25 years, the Food Bank has supported local partners in operating Kids Cafés, providing dinner and/or snacks alongside academic enrichment, mentorship, and recreation opportunities for children and teens enrolled in afterschool programs. With active programs in 13 counties and growing, Kids Cafés provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to gather and learn after school — serving more than 114,000 meals and snacks during the 2022-23 academic year alone.
Weekend Power Packs
Weekend Power Packs provide kids and teens with a backpack full of shelf-stable food to take home for the weekend or over school breaks. Each week, Food Bank partners assemble these backpacks for discreet distribution to students by social workers, counselors, teachers and school support staff. Power Packs contain a variety of protein, fruits and vegetables, snacks, milk, cereal, and other items that can be easily prepared at home — helping to ensure families have options when school meals are unavailable.
Weekend Power Packs began in 2005 with 30 students at a single school and has grown to support more than 14,000 children and teens across 200 campuses!
Afterschool Program Support
Beginning in 2015, the Food Bank has sponsored the Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), helping afterschool programs offer dinner and nutritious snacks to children and teens in low-income neighborhoods. Through CACFP, partners also offer tutoring, nutrition education, and recreation opportunities. With the support of Food Bank staffing and administrative infrastructure, federal funds can help to launch new meal programs or cover the costs of existing food assistance programs when private funding gaps arise.
For more information on nutrition programs for children and teens, email kidsprograms@foodbankcenc.org.