Since 1998, the Florida Department of Health’s Child Care Food Program (CCFP) has worked to provide nutritious meals and snacks to children enrolled with participating child care providers. The program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and operates under specific federal and state guidelines.
In 2023, CCFP reimbursed providers for serving over 146 million meals to about 295,000 children across Florida. The program also offers guidance to child care providers on nutrition standards and encourages teaching healthy food choices to young children.
According to the Florida Department of Health, “Children who eat healthy foods are more attentive and have been found to be better learners. Eating well early in life has a profound effect on a child’s growth and can even reduce obesity risks. Parents seeking child care in Florida are encouraged to enroll their children with providers who participate in CCFP. Learn more at FloridaHealth.gov/CCFP.”
The CCFP reimburses eligible child care providers as long as their meals meet or exceed established nutrition standards. The program is available at several types of facilities: child care centers, family day care homes, afterschool programs, homeless shelters, and certain emergency shelters.
At non-pricing child care centers, eligible children receive meals at no extra cost. Pricing centers charge separately for meals but offer reduced prices or free meals based on household income levels according to published eligibility guidelines.
Children from households participating in Head Start programs or receiving Food Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits automatically qualify for free meal benefits at participating facilities.
Eligibility for free or reduced-price meals is determined by household size and income level using annual scales that are updated regularly by the department.
“This institution is an equal opportunity provider,” states the release from the Florida Department of Health.
