The CACFP is an outgrowth of the School Lunch Program. The school lunch began during World War II. When wounded soldiers were not healing quickly enough. This was due in part to poor nutrition in early childhood.In 1968, the program expanded to include children in child care settings including Family child care. The CACFP provides meals for children in Day Care Centers, Head Start Programs, After School Programs and adults cared for in Adult Day Care facilities.

It is estimated over 1 million children are fed each day nationally by the program.

Funding
All funds for the CACFP come from the Federal Government. Legislation passed by Congress. Regulations written and administered by the United States Department of Agriculture. Approved and overseen by the State Department of Education. Recognized Sponsor who runs the program.Providers Food Program/Provider Resources a recognized sponsor of the CACFP.

The CACFP Is Desperately Needed:

Quality Child Care

• Today more than half of all children under 6 years of age have both parents
  working outside the home.
• Most children are in family child care settings
• Studies show that providers participating in a food program deliver higher
  quality child care.

The Better Health

• Obesity beginning in early childhood has become a national epidemic leading to
  killer diseases. Family child care homes participating on a food program do
  their part to fight this epidemic through training and oversight, leading to healthy
  eating habits and active life styles.

Sufficient and Accessible Child Care

• Family child care providers participating in the food program receive training
  support, and financial reimbursement. As a result, many are encouraged to enter the profession and to continue longer. Food programs have an impact on preventing provider burn-out.

Most of All

• Children participating in the program eat better and establish good eating and
  exercise habits that can last a lifetime