Hunger Free New Jersey Released The State of Afterschool Meals

Hunger Free New Jersey released The State of Afterschool Meals in New Jersey, a new report examining participation in the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program, where access gaps remain, and opportunities to reach more children.

New Jersey has made meaningful progress in expanding afterschool meals. But in 2025, the state reached just 4 of every 100 children participating in free or reduced-price school lunch, compared with the Food Research & Action Center’s benchmark of 15 per 100.

Reaching that benchmark could connect approximately 43,498 more children with afterschool meals while bringing an estimated $36 million in additional federal reimbursement to New Jersey over a 180-day school year.

The report includes county and municipality-level maps, examples of programs already expanding access, and recommendations for schools, community organizations, state agencies, and policymakers.