WHAT IS THE CHILD CARE FOOD PROGRAM
The Child Care Food Program (CCFP) is a federal program that provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks served at participating childcare centers and day care homes. The CCFP also provides reimbursements for meals served to children and youth participating in afterschool care programs as well as children residing in emergency shelters.
The CCFP is helping form healthy eating habits, contributing to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children and adults in the United States. In Florida, the Department of Health Bureau of Child Nutrition administers the program. Children's Nutrition of FL, Inc. sponsors and enrolls licensed Day care homes for participation.
This program plays a vital role in improving the quality of child care by making it more affordable to serve healthy meals and snacks to children. Each day in the US, more than 4.2 million children receive nutritious meals and snacks through the Child Care Food Program.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
Day care home providers must plan and serve nutritious foods that meet the requirements for balanced meals; and are reimbursed for approved meals and snacks served to enrolled children. Providers attend training annually at a minimum, submit proper child enrollment documentation, and file monthly meal reimbursement claims. Children’s Nutrition of Florida, Inc. conducts 3 to 4 reviews per year to ensure provider understanding and compliance in regards to the federal regulations governing this program.
Providers sponsored by Children’s Nutrition of Florida, Inc. have access to nutrition education training, additional nutrition resources, and receive on-going technical assistance. If you are a licensed Day care home and would like more information about the Child Care Food Program, please contact us today!