Kids Cafe is a national program of America’s Second Harvest that provides nutritious meals for children who may otherwise go to bed hungry. Harvest Hope Food Bank provides food for Kids Cafes, and each site provides a safe, nurturing after school program. Volunteers or staff at each Kids Cafe prepare the meals and provide homework assistance. Many Kids Cafes also offer additional activities and programs that meet the unique needs of the children they serve.  

How it all works:

A Kids Cafe can be added to an existing after school program or a brand new after school program can be developed as a Kids Cafe.

• Your site applies to become a Kids Cafe by following the procedures outlined below. 

• Harvest Hope will review your information and contact you in a few business days.

• If your organization meets Kids Cafe criteria, we will invite you to continue the application process (Step 2) and offer help along the way.

• Once your site is approved as a Kids Cafe, you or a representative from your organization will be able to "shop" for food at Harvest Hope's Columbia or Florence branch. The donated product is available at no cost to your site. You are responsible for transporting the products.

• You or members of your staff prepare dinner-time meals for the children enrolled in your program.

• Kids Cafes provide more than just meals, so your program staff will be expected to regularly provide other activities such as mentoring, homework assistance, recreational activities, etc.

• Your program will also be expected to offer monthly nutrition education lessons. 

• Your organization will be required to complete monthly online reports about service use at your site.

We are thrilled that you are interested in starting a Kids Cafe in your community! 

Click here to find out more about Kids Cafe and begin application process

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