The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federal program in the United States that provides financial assistance to child care providers, schools, and other organizations offering nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults in their care. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), CACFP plays a crucial role in promoting the #health-and well-being of individuals in child care settings, adult day care centers, after-school programs, and #emergency shelters.
Key features of the Child and Adult Care Food Program include:
Financial Assistance:
Nutrition Standards:
Eligible Participants:
Support for Low-Income Individuals:
State Administration:
Recordkeeping and Reporting:
Training and Technical Assistance:
Community Impact:
Overall, the Child and Adult Care Food Program plays a vital role in ensuring that children and adults in various care settings receive the nutrition they need for optimal growth, development, and overall well-being. It aligns with the broader goals of promoting health, preventing hunger, and supporting the educational and #developmental needs of individuals in child care and adult care settings.
Maryland Child Care CACFP Participation:
Participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in the state of Maryland involves several steps. Here's a guide to help child care programs in Maryland navigate the process:
Review Eligibility Criteria:
Contact the Maryland State Agency:
Attend Training or Orientation Sessions:
Request and Complete Application Materials:
Develop a Menu that Meets Nutrition Standards:
Implement Recordkeeping Systems:
Submit the Application:
Participate in Monitoring Visits:
Receive Approval:
Implement CACFP Guidelines:
Stay Informed and Seek Support:
By following these steps and maintaining ongoing compliance, your child care program in Maryland can successfully participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), contributing to the well-being and nutrition of the children in your care.
Family Child Care Participation:
Family Child Care Providers in Maryland participate in the CACFP through specific sponsoring organizations, listed below. The sponsors provide Family Child Care providers with CACFP training and technical assistance and monitor compliance with CACFP regulations. Family Child Care Providers interested in participating should contact a sponsoring agency listed below to get started.
Family Child Care Sponsor Agencies (as of October 2023):
Cecil County
Name: Christina Shirley, Human Services Supervisor Cecil County CACFP
Phone: (410) 996-0253
Email: [email protected]
LEAs served: Baltimore, Cecil, Harford, Kent Counties and Baltimore City
Frederick Community Action Agency
Name: Sarah McAleavy
Phone: (301) 600-6263
Email: [email protected]
LEAs served: Carroll, Frederick Counties
Montgomery County Public Schools
Name: Nancy Oswald
Phone: (240) 740-7397 or (240) 740-7395
Email: [email protected]
LEA served: Montgomery County
The Planning Council
Name: Lisa Lyons, CACFP Program Manager
Phone: (757) 657-0716
Email: [email protected]
LEAs served: All Maryland Counties and Baltimore City
Prince George’s County Public Schools
Name: Pamela Watts
Phone: (301) 817-0535
Email: [email protected]
LEA served: Prince George’s County
Enrollment in CACFP provides crucial financial support, offering cash reimbursements to offset the costs associated with providing nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children. This support not only eases the financial burden on child care providers but also enables them to invest in program enhancements and resources, ultimately enriching the learning environment. Furthermore, participation in CACFP ensures that children receive balanced and healthy meals, positively impacting their overall health and development. By instilling #healthy-eating habits at an early age, child care providers contribute to the long-term well-being of the children they serve. Additionally, CACFP compliance aligns with licensing standards, fostering regulatory adherence and supporting professional development opportunities. Overall, CACFP participation enhances the quality of child care, promotes health-conscious practices, and contributes to a thriving and well-nourished community of young learners.
Looking for information on child nutrition? ChildCareEd offers several courses that focus on healthy eating and child nutrition.