Since 1998, the Florida Department of Health’s Child Care Food Program (CCFP) has supported child wellness by providing nutritious meals and snacks to children enrolled with participating child care providers. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and authorized by federal and state regulations.
In 2022, CCFP reimbursed providers for serving nearly 149 million meals to about 300,000 children in Florida. The program also offers guidance to child care providers on serving healthy foods and teaching children about making good food choices.
"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: www.FloridaHealth.gov/CCFP."
The CCFP works by reimbursing child care providers for meals and snacks that meet federal and state nutrition standards. Lists of participating providers are available at www.FloridaHealth.gov/CCFP.
The program operates across four types of settings: child care centers, family day care homes, afterschool programs, and homeless or emergency shelters. In non-pricing centers and other facilities, eligible children receive meals at no separate charge; in pricing centers, reduced-price or free meals are provided based on household income.
Eligibility extends to all participants meeting certain criteria. Children involved in Head Start programs or from households receiving Food Assistance or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families automatically qualify for free meal benefits at participating facilities.
Income eligibility guidelines determine access to free or reduced-price meals, with scales adjusting according to household size and income level. For example, a household of four qualifies for free meals if its annual income is $39,000 or less; for reduced-price meals, the threshold is $55,500 annually.
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." The department holds national accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board.
More information about the department can be found at www.FloridaHealth.gov.