The CACFP is an outgrowth of the School Lunch Program. The school lunch program 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 also 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 that nation-wide over 1 million children are fed by the program each day.

Funding
All funds for the CACFP come from the Federal Government. Legislation is passed by Congress. Regulations are written and administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In Massachusetts, the CACFP is approved and overseen by the State Department of Early and Secondary Education. Recognized Sponsors run the program.
Provider Resources, Inc./Providers Food Program is 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 in the 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.