Capstone recognizes National Child & Adult Care Food Program Week: March 10-16, 2024

March 10-16, 2024 is National Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week. The CACFP is a federal program that provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to participating child care centers, afterschool programs, family day care homes, emergency shelters, and adult day care centers. Nationally, this program provides over 1.8 billion meals and snacks to over 4.7 million children and adults and is an indicator of quality child care.

The primary goal of the CACFP is to serve nutritious meals to children and adults in care, especially those from lower economic circumstances. Secondary goals of the CACFP are: the establishment of lifelong positive eating habits, reduction of future health care and education costs due to lack of proper early development, and training and support of local child care personnel.

* This week, Capstone Community Action is pleased to highlight our Child Care Food Program, which provided 1,104 children with daily nutritious meals from 107 child care providers in 2023. We’re proud to be part of this program that contributes to the well-being of children by establishing positive eating habits and reducing food insecurity for lifelong nutrition. In addition, child care providers who participate in the program are reimbursed for the nutritious meals provided to children in their care, and are more likely than non-CACFP providers to serve more fruit, vegetables and milk. We call this a win-win!

What are some ways you can take action this week in recognition of National CACFP Week?

1. View a proclamation issued by Governor Phil Scott for Child and Adult Care Food Program Week in Vermont.

2. Refer someone who could benefit from this program whether it's a child care provider or family who sends their kid to a child care provider. You can reach us by visiting our website Capstone's Child Care Food Program or by calling Pat at (802) 477-5173.

3. We encourage kids of all ages to eat healthier, and you can start by learning new recipes shared on the National CACFP website: https://www.cacfp.org/

Happy Eating!