Salty or Sweet? Nutritional Quality, Consumption, and Cost of Snacks Served in Afterschool Programs

BACKGROUNDSnacks served in afterschool programs (ASPs, 3-6pm) represent an important opportunity to promote healthy eating. ASP policies suggest a fruit/vegetable is served daily, while sugar-sweetened foods/beverages and artificially flavored snacks are eliminated. Limited information exists on the types of snacks served in ASPs, if snacks meet existing nutrition policies, whether children eat the snacks, and their cost. METHODSDirect observation of snacks served and consumed was collected in 20 ASPs serving over 1700 elementary age children. The number of days that snacks were served/week was evaluated for compliance with nutrition policies. Costs of snacks were collected via receipts. RESULTSPrograms served desserts and artificially flavored salty snacks on 2.7 and 2.1days/week. Fruits and vegetables were served 0.6 and 0.1days/week, respectively. Sugar-sweetened beverages were served 1.8days/week. Of the children (N=383) observed, 75% to 100% consumed the snack served, with 95% and 100% of served fruits/vegetables consumed. No ASP served fruit/vegetables daily, 18 served sugar-sweetened foods, 16 served artificially flavored snacks, and 14 served sugar-sweetened beverages. Desserts and salty snacks cost $0.27-$0.32/snack vs $0.38-$0.40/snack for vegetables/fruits. CONCLUSIONSThe quality of snacks failed to meet nutrition policies and consists of predominately high-sugar and artificially flavored options. Strategies to improve snack offerings in ASPs while addressing price barriers are required.