Across schools, libraries and youth programs, staff are noticing a consistent pattern: when children have access to healthy snacks, they’re more focused and more engaged. These changes aren’t accidental; they reflect how closely nourishment is tied to learning and well-being.

Nutrition plays a foundational role in how children think, feel and behave. Teaching strategies, enrichment activities and supportive environments all matter, but none of them can fully compensate for a child who is trying to learn without enough fuel. Offering nutritious snacks is one of the most practical ways to support learning and overall well-being.

Most of us know what it feels like to hit an afternoon slump or wake up feeling foggy. What we often overlook is how much our daily food choices shape the way our brain functions. Growing research shows that nutrition plays a meaningful role in mood, focus and long-term cognitive health, and these benefits apply to youth just as much as adults. For Out of School Time (OST) and youth programs, simple, nutritious snack choices can help support attention, behavior, and overall well-being.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Good for Your Mood and Your Brain
Omega 3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA, are key components of the lipids found in oily fish and play essential roles in human health. DHA is particularly important for brain and retina development during fetal life and early childhood. EPA and DHA also help regulate inflammation and protect against cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic and immune related diseases (Chamorro et al., 2023).

School is out, the days are longer, and your kids are home, hungry, more than ever. What they grab from the kitchen in those unstructured summer hours quietly shapes how they feel, focus and grow. Healthy eating does not have to be complicated or perfect. It just has to be consistent. And it often starts with something as simple as a snack.

Summer brings fresh produce and a little more breathing room in the schedule. It is the perfect time to slow down, get into the kitchen together, and explore simple food habits that support how your family feels all season long.

The New Food Pyramid: Real Food or Real Confusion?

When the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025-2030) were released, the message was clear: eat real food. At first glance, that’s a message most people can get behind. The pyramid highlights whole food, encourages fruits and vegetables, and warns against added sugars and highly processed foods, all important steps in the right direction. But clarity in nutrition guidance matters, and the details of the new pyramid raise important questions.

Looking more closely at the visual pyramid and the messaging that accompanies it, the picture becomes more complicated. Some recommendations align with decades of nutrition science, while others contradict the evidence or risk confusing the public. Perhaps the most troubling shift is the Guidelines’ decision to distance themselves from health equity and the social determinants of health, factors that shape what Americans can realistically eat in the first place.

The La Crosse Area Family YMCA believes that access to nutritious food is a fundamental right for everyone in the community. Its comprehensive food programs are designed to ensure that children and families receive the nourishment they need to thrive, particularly during critical times such as summer and after school.

Summer Food Program

In a heartwarming initiative to address food insecurity, the Nekoosa School District has launched a new Food Pantry, thanks to the efforts of an AmeriCorps member and the support of the Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) grant. This project is a lifeline for many children and families in the community, ensuring they have access to essential food resources.

A Community United Against Hunger

Building for Kids Children’s Museum: An Amazing Opportunity for Growth

When most people think of children’s museums, they envision colorful play spaces, hands-on exhibits, and a fun outing space for young families. But what many don’t realize is that museums like the Building for Kids Children’s Museum in Appleton, WI, are also hubs for out-of-school time (OST) programming, providing enriching experiences for children beyond the school day.

"Building for Kids’ Explorer Camps include afterschool and summer programming at the museum." explained Beth Vanderloop, Vice President of Learning and Engagement at Building for Kids. "We serve kindergarten through fourth grade during the school year and include 4K in the summer."

Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin Rapids lies Badger State Farm, an educational oasis dedicated to enriching lives and cultivating knowledge. With a mission that transcends boundaries, Badger State aims to raise funds to support not just their local community, but also their country and the world beyond.

A Diverse and Flourishing Farm

Nestled in Rio, Wisconsin, just over thirty miles from Madison, a remarkable initiative is making waves in the fight against food insecurity. CC Cattle Company, founded by Sam Cooke, is not just a farm; it’s a shining example for many families struggling to put nutritious food on their tables.

A Vision Rooted in Service
Sam Cooke, a Navy veteran, and firefighter has always been driven by a desire to serve. His journey into farming began when he noticed a significant need for fresh meat in local food pantries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from his farming background, Sam decided to act. He purchased a farm outside the Madison area and established CC Cattle Company with a mission to raise cattle and donate the beef to those in need.

Hydroponic Innovators: Fork Farms’ Impact on Education and Food Security

In the heart of Green Bay, WI, a groundbreaking company is transforming the way we think about food, education, and community health. Fork Farms, with its innovative approach to hydroponic gardening, is making waves by bringing sustainable food production directly into schools. This initiative not only teaches students about healthy eating and agriculture but also plays a crucial role in combating food insecurity. Let’s examine how Fork Farms is changing the game and why their work is so essential.

Food insecurity is a critical challenge affecting millions of families, with profound implications for children's well-being, learning, and development. As out-of-school time (OST) program staff, educators are uniquely positioned to provide meaningful support and create positive interventions for students facing these challenges.

Understanding food insecurity requires looking beyond simple hunger. It represents the persistent lack of consistent access to nutritious food necessary for an active, healthy life. This complex issue extends far beyond empty stomachs, potentially compromising academic performance, triggering behavioral challenges, creating long-term health complications, and significantly impacting emotional and mental well-being.

In Beaver Dam, WI, where neighbors know each other by name and community spirit runs deep, the impact of a local initiative like the Food is Free pantry is profound. This 24/7 food pantry is not just a place where people pick up food: it is a symbol of hope and a vital resource in the fight against food insecurity. Let's explore how Food is Free is making a difference and why feeding families is more crucial than ever.

The Heart of Food is Free

The Food is Free pantry operates on a simple yet powerful principle: everyone deserves access to nourishing food, regardless of their financial situation. The 24/7 pantry established in Beaver Dam to address the needs of those facing food insecurity provides round-the-clock access to essential food items. With no eligibility requirements or barriers, anyone in need can take what they need, whenever they need it.

In both Oneida & Vilas County, WI, a remarkable grassroots initiative is making an impact. Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK), a non-profit organization dedicated to combating child food insecurity, is a testament to what can be achieved when local residents come together with a shared mission. This organization, born from the collective efforts of community members, is transforming the lives of children and families in their own backyard.

A Grassroots Beginnings

FORK is a powerful example of grassroots activism. The organization was founded by community members who recognized a pressing issue in their own neighborhoods. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by rural families, they set out to create a solution from the ground up.