Child Care Food Program Continues to Contribute to Child Wellness in Florida
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Since 1998, the Florida Department of Health’s Child Care Food Program, a federally-funded program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorized by 7 CFR Part 226 and section 383.011, Florida Statutes, has provided nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children who are enrolled with participating child care providers.
In 2024, the program reimbursed child care providers for serving 149,927,015 meals to approximately 298,000 Florida children. Throughout the years, the Child Care Food Program has also guided child care providers on the best ways to serve nutritious foods and promote beneficial habits for life by encouraging them to teach young children about healthy 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 positive 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 the Child Care Food Program.
The program reimburses child care providers and ensures that meals and snacks meet or exceed federal and state nutrition standards.
Providers
Research shows that well-nourished children are healthier, more attentive, and have better mental performance than children who are under-nourished.