Child and Adult Care Food Program

Assisting family child care providers to serve nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to children, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) offers lifetime benefits.

Proper nutrition during the early years of childhood ensures appropriate development and reduces physical and educational problems later in life. The preschool years are when eating patterns and habits are being established that may determine the quality of one’s diet throughout life.

Children who are in child care with participating providers are given nutrition education by providers who understand their role in shaping attitudes toward the acceptance of nutritious foods.

Congress created the Child and Adult Care Food Program in response to the need for sound nutrition for children. The ultimate goal of the CACFP is to serve nutritious meals and snacks that meet the minimum daily meal pattern requirements and are appealing to children. The meal pattern requirements assure that meals are well balanced and supply the kinds and amounts of foods that children require to help meet their energy nutrient needs.

Why is CACFP Important? It ensures that children…

Receive a nutritious diet
Start good nutrition habits early in life
Grow healthy and strong
Are prepared for school, ready to learn

CACFP plays a vital role in improving the quality of child care and making it more affordable for many low-income families. The program’s resources and training support communities, especially rural, by supporting child care.

CACFP’s Economic Value

CACFP helps working families work.
CACFP funding supports the local economy, by purchasing required healthy foods at grocery stores and farmers markets.
CACFP funding is a significant resource for supporting child care providers.
CACFP supports jobs in child care

Benefits

Participating programs provide meals according to the nutrition standards set by the USDA ensuring that children in care receive balanced, nutritious meals and snacks.
Studies show that children in CACFP receive meals that are superior to those served to children in comparable child care setting without CACFP
New research shows that CACFP reduces food insecurity, thus helping families protect children against hunger.
Research has demonstrated CACFP’s clear role in helping to assure good nutrition and high quality, affordable child care. The program is a well-documented success.
Research cites participation in CACFP as one of the factors influencing quality care.

Location

Participation is open to child care providers located in Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Washington, and Windsor Counties.

What Participants Have to Say

"I've had my daycare for eight years. The food program has definitely been an asset to my program. The parents love that they don't need to worry about packing lunches but they know their children are eating well balanced, healthy meals. The paperwork takes no time at all to fill out because they offer the online program" - Provider in Barre

"I would recommend the food program to every provider. It helps with the shopping bill and the trainings are very helpful. The paperwork takes no time at all to fill out because they offer the online program" - Provider from St. Johnsbury

"The food program is a wonderful program that promotes healthy eating. The staff is always available to answer questions, and they're professionals who will do whatever it takes to make sure I'm successful at what I do" - New provider in Randolph

Per the Child and Adult Care Food Program, Capstone is required to link the full USDA Non-Discrimination Statement below:

Per the USDA, please find the Notice to Beneficiaries and Prospective Beneficiaries below:

USDA Notice to Beneficiaries and Prospective Beneficiaries