Since 1998, the Florida Department of Health’s Child Care Food Program (CCFP) has provided meals and snacks to eligible children enrolled with participating child care providers. The program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and authorized by federal and state regulations.
In 2023, CCFP reimbursed child care providers for serving nearly 147 million meals to about 295,000 children in Florida. The program also offers guidance to providers on serving nutritious foods and encouraging healthy habits among young children.
“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. Parents seeking child care in Florida are encouraged to enroll their children with providers who participate in CCFP. Learn more at FloridaHealth.gov/CCFP,” according to the Florida Department of Health.
The program operates by reimbursing participating child care providers for meals that meet or exceed federal and state nutrition standards.
There are four types of settings where the program is offered: child care centers, family day care homes, afterschool programs, and homeless or certain emergency shelters. In non-pricing child care centers, eligible children receive meals at no separate charge; in pricing centers, reduced-price or free meal options are available based on household income guidelines.
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), as well as children from households receiving Food Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families benefits, automatically qualify for free meal benefits at participating facilities.
Eligibility for free or reduced-price meals is determined using annual income guidelines that vary by household size. For example, a household of four qualifies for free meals if its annual income does not exceed $40,560 or for reduced-price meals if it does not exceed $57,720 (effective July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). Detailed eligibility information is available at https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/childrens-health/child-care-food-program/index.html.
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