Physical activity and health eating standards for afterschool programs

First-ever national healthy eating and physical activity standards developed for afterschool programs

"Energy balance and appropriate physical activity are critical to good health and preventing childhood obesity, which is reaching record numbers in this country. Out-of-school programs provide opportunities for children to not only consume nutritious snacks but also to learn real-life strategies for evaluating food options and making healthy choices," says project co-leader Ellen S. Gannett, director of the National Institute on Out-of-School Time. "If out-of-school programs can influence smart choices for children when they're away from home and out of the classroom, they will be an important component in the campaign to fight childhood obesity."

Among the recommended standards outlined for out-of-school programs – which include before and after school programs, day camps, and overnight camps – are:

• Serving fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned) as options instead of cake, cookies, candy and chips


• Offering water as the preferred drink option during snack times instead of juices, punch boxes or soda


• Dedicating at least 20 percent or at least 30 minutes of morning or afterschool program time to physical activity (60 minutes for a full day program)


• Ensuring that daily physical activity time includes aerobic and age-appropriate muscle and bone strengthening and cardio-respiratory fitness activities

In addition, the new standards elevate the importance of training out-of-school program staff on the role of healthy eating, physical activity and social supports for healthy behavior.