Purpose/Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children within the U.S. by assessing how parents' perceptions of children's nutritional patterns changed in relationship to school nutrition assistance program participation. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of American parents was used to evaluate changes to their children's nutritional patterns during the pandemic. Participants were recruited through Facebook advertisements and snowball sampling. Data was collected through an electronic survey. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were calculated. Qualitative data was organized by question stem. Once organized, responses were summarized by topics and sub-topics. Results: There was not a significant change in the perceived intake of foods from the major food groups, however parents reported increased snacking behavior, including processed foods. Participation in school nutrition assistance programs, including free or reduced price meals did increase during the pandemic and parents perceived these programs as more important. Applications To Child Nutrition Professionals: School nutrition programs were perceived as increasingly important as families navigated the fallout of the pandemic which was complicated by financial strain and food insecurity. The increase in snacking behavior raises concerns about the long term consequences of the pandemic. It is possible the change in snacking behavior was the product of food access concerns and children being at home during the pandemic. Administrators and policymakers should build upon what was learned during the pandemic to improve community infrastructure and capacity to support school nutrition assistance program participation.