Survey of Afterschool Programs Suggests Most Offer Fruit and Vegetables Daily

This study estimated the frequency and quality of fruit and vegetables offered during snack in U.S. afterschool programs and examined program-level factors associated with offering them, including awareness and use of the National AfterSchool Association Healthy Eating and Physical Activity standards. Data was collected from 684 National AfterSchool Association members and their colleagues through an online survey. Most respondents reported offering a fruit (42%), vegetable (3%), or both (18%) as a snack on the previous program day. The study found that membership in the National AfterSchool Association and use of its Healthy Eating and Physical Activity standards is associated with offering fruit and vegetables during snack at afterschool programs staffed by National AfterSchool Association members and their colleagues across the United States.