--- title: Heartland School Solutions | Connections | Afterschool Programs description: Afterschool Programs | --- [![Heartland-AGPC-logo-main](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png?width=168&height=31&name=Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png)](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en) ![Heartland](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/aglobalpaymentscompany_identifier_grey.png) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/) - Products - [Nutrition Technology](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology) - [Payment Solutions](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions) - Support - [Support Central](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central) - [Technical Consulting](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/consulting) - Events - [Training Events](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/training-events) - [Shows and Conferences](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/shows-and-conferences) - [Connect 2026](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect) - About - [Our Story](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/our-story) - [Partnerships](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/integrations) - [Careers](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/careers) - Resources - [Webinars](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition) - [Guides & Templates](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/resources/guides-templates) - [Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com) # ![Connections Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/LP_Templates/Connections-Blog/Connections-Blog-Logo-2024.svg) Fresh insights for school leaders ## [Managing the Unknown: How to Navigate K-12 Funding Challenges in Before & After-School Programs](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/k-12-funding-challenges-in-before-after-school-programs) By [Emily Schoeneck](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/B%26A%20care%20funding%20uncertainty%20blog%20header.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/k-12-funding-challenges-in-before-after-school-programs) ## What is the Current State of K-12 School Funding? Funding for before & after-school programs in public schools in the United States presents unique challenges due to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of K-12 school funding. These schools rely on a combination of local, state, and federal resources for funding. While [nearly 87% of their budget comes from state and local dollars,](https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/trumps-push-to-slash-federal-k-12-school-funds-explained/2025/04) federal contributions still represent a significant portion essential for schools to operate and thrive each year. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/k-12-funding-challenges-in-before-after-school-programs) ## [Afterschool Nutrition Programs Make More "Cents" Than You Think](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/outline-afterschool-nutrition-programs-may-make-more-cents-than-you-thought) By [Nate Winans](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/nate-winans) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Afterschool%20Nutrition%20Programs.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/outline-afterschool-nutrition-programs-may-make-more-cents-than-you-thought) [Afterschool Nutrition Programs](https://frac.org/programs/afterschool-nutrition-programs) help millions of low-income students across the country get access to healthy meals they might not otherwise receive outside of school. When districts offer an afterschool nutrition program (ANP), eligible students are able to receive a snack or meal on a weeknight, weekend, and school holiday. In 2017, more than 46,000 districts participated in ANPs offered through both the [Child and Adult Care Food Program](https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/child-and-adult-care-food-program) (CACFP) and the [National School Lunch Program](https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp) (NSLP). Together, these programs served over [1.07 million children](https://www.frac.org/wp-content/uploads/afterschool-report-october-2018.pdf)and participation has continued to grow year over year.  [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/outline-afterschool-nutrition-programs-may-make-more-cents-than-you-thought) ## [Introducing Growth Grants for Before & Aftercare Programs](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/introducing-growth-grants-for-before-aftercare-programs) By [Nate Winans](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/nate-winans) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/B%26A-grant-blog-header.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/introducing-growth-grants-for-before-aftercare-programs) For the past two years, [MySchoolBucks](https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/login/getmain?requestAction=home) and Heartland School Solutions has provided Growth Grants to school nutrition programs across the country. To date, we have awarded over **$100,000** to districts who use MySchoolBucks and helped over 130 food service departments [promote their nutrition programs](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/congratulations-to-the-myschoolbucks-growth-grant-recipients) in fun and creative ways, using funds they might not otherwise have access to. In addition to offering our [food service Growth Grant program](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/msb-grant-2019) for the 2019-20 school year, we are excited to offer for the first time **[Growth Grants for before & aftercare programs! ](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/msb-grant-2019-ba)** [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/introducing-growth-grants-for-before-aftercare-programs) ## [Happy Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week! Here Are Some Fun Ways To Celebrate](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/happy-afterschool-professionals-appreciation-week-here-are-some-fun-ways-to-celebrate) By [Nate Winans](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/nate-winans) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/SocialGraphic-General4.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/happy-afterschool-professionals-appreciation-week-here-are-some-fun-ways-to-celebrate) [This week](https://naaweb.org/naa-events/afterschool-professionals-appreciation-week) schools and programs nationwide are celebrating all that afterschool professionals do each day! It's a time to recognize those who work with students during out-of-school hours, including community partners, afterschool program staff, and youth and child care workers.  [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/happy-afterschool-professionals-appreciation-week-here-are-some-fun-ways-to-celebrate) ## [7 Things to Consider When Evaluating Before or After School Management Software](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/7-things-to-consider-when-evaluating-before-after-school-management-software) By [Renee Piazza](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/renee-piazza) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Before%20and%20After%20Care.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/7-things-to-consider-when-evaluating-before-after-school-management-software) As a childcare director, one of your main goals is to deliver successful and engaging programs for students. That means managing registration, taking payments, and communicating with parents are all vital and equally important.  [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/7-things-to-consider-when-evaluating-before-after-school-management-software) ## [5 Websites For Free Afterschool Program Activities](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/5-websites-for-free-afterschool-program-activities) By [Aaron Thein](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/aaron-thein) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/websites-for-free-afterschool-activities.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/5-websites-for-free-afterschool-program-activities) Afterschool programs play an essential role in boosting academic performance, promoting physical health, and creating a safe environment for children of working parents.  If you're a teacher or director who operates one of these programs, you know how much work goes into keeping children engaged. **Here are five websites we found that are packed with tons of free (and fun!) activities for kids:** [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/5-websites-for-free-afterschool-program-activities) ### Subscribe to our monthly newsletter [![free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology.png?width=375&height=416&name=free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology.png)](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition)   ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - 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[Point of Sale](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/point-of-sale) - [Free and Reduced](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/free-and-reduced) - [Online Applications](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/online-applications) - [Menu Planning](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/menu-planning) - [Meal Orders](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/meal-orders) - [Ordering Inventory](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/ordering-inventory) - [Digital Menus](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/mealviewer) ### Payment Solutions - [School Store](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/school-store) - [Student Invoicing](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/student-invoicing) - [School Program Management](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/msb-activities) - 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