Before USDA's snack program, snacks were provided informally by the school food service, staff, and even students. One of the major goals of the Kensington Cluster Program is community outreach. The program is supported by a combination of grants and community partnerships. Through these partnerships, students gain a better understanding of the needs of their communities, and how to serve them. Afterschool care coordinators and school food service managers know the benefits of providing nutritious snacks to children.
Snack time gives students a needed break for socializing and eating.
The school district is preparing to expand its afterschool school care services. To better meet students' food preferences and the projected increase in demand, the school food service continues to research and evaluate new products. DC Public Schools operates two major afterschool care programs. It is offered to students, grades 1 through 12, in 89 schools. Some of the students receive remedial instruction, while others can take advantage of Advanced Placement preparatory and tutorial programs in math, language arts, and Spanish.