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 funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and operates under federal and state guidelines. In 2023, CCFP reimbursed child care providers for serving nearly 147 million meals to about 295,000 children in Florida.
The CCFP not only covers meal costs but also guides child care providers on nutrition standards and healthy habits for children. The program encourages parents seeking child care in Florida to enroll their children with providers who participate in CCFP. More information is available at FloridaHealth.gov/CCFP.
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.”
The program reimburses providers for meals that meet or exceed nutrition standards set by federal and state authorities. Lists of participating providers are organized by facility type on the department’s website.
CCFP is offered at four types of settings: child care centers, family day care homes, afterschool programs, and homeless or certain emergency shelters. Meals are available at no separate charge to eligible children in most settings. In pricing child care centers, reduced-price meals are available based on household income eligibility guidelines.
Eligibility for free or reduced-price meals is determined by household income levels effective from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Children from households receiving Food Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families benefits, as well as Head Start participants funded by the Office of Head Start within the Administration of Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, automatically qualify for free meal benefits at participating facilities.
The institution states it is an equal opportunity provider.