Studies show there is a strong link between good nutrition and academic performance.

When a child's basic nutritional needs are met, they perform better in school. According to recent data, about 67 percent of low-income families in Florida cannot afford to feed their children nutritious meals. Nearly one child in five goes without a dinner meal.

Unfortunately, hunger can hamper a child's academic achievement. Recent studies from the Journal of School Health indicate that children whose nutritional needs are not being met during their formative years show poor academic performance in school. Under-nourished students may be irritable, have difficulty concentrating, exhibit loss of energy, and perform poorly on tests. Studies indicate this poor academic achievement will influence a child's future educational attainment, income, health, and quality of life.

When a child comes to school hungry, they are not able to perform at their best, resulting in the child not achieving optimal performance. Some schools offer free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch, but what about dinner? It was with this in mind that After School Programs, Inc. developed its "Free Nutritious Supper Program.