Since 1998, the Florida Department of Health’s Child Care Food Program (CCFP) has provided nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children enrolled with participating child care providers. The program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and operates under federal and state regulations.
In 2024, CCFP reimbursed child care providers for serving nearly 150 million meals to about 298,000 children across Florida. The program also offers guidance to child care providers on how to serve healthy foods and promote positive eating habits among young children.
According to the department, “Children who eat healthy foods are more attentive and have been found to be better learners. Eating well early in life has a positive effect on a child’s growth and can even reduce obesity risks.” Parents in Florida are encouraged to enroll their children with providers who participate in CCFP. More information is available at FloridaHealth.gov/CCFP.
The program works by reimbursing child care providers and ensuring that all meals and snacks meet or exceed established nutrition standards at both federal and state levels.
CCFP is available at four types of settings: child care centers, family day care homes, afterschool programs, and certain emergency or homeless shelters. In non-pricing child care centers, eligible children receive meals at no extra charge. Pricing centers may offer reduced-price or free meals depending on household income eligibility guidelines.
Meals are available to all eligible participants. Children involved in Head Start programs funded by the Office of Head Start within the Administration of Children and Families, as well as those from households receiving Food Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families benefits, automatically qualify for free meal benefits at participating facilities.
Eligibility for free or reduced-price meals is determined by household income according to guidelines effective from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. For example, a family of four earning up to $41,795 annually qualifies for free meals; for reduced-price meals, the limit is $59,478 per year for a household of four.
The Florida Department of Health states that it “works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.” Additional information about the department can be found at www.FloridaHealth.gov.
