Research consistently demonstrates the vital link between good nutrition and children’s well-being. Well-nourished children exhibit better health, improved attentiveness, and enhanced cognitive function compared to those who are undernourished. Recognizing this critical need, the Child Care Food Program (CCFP) stands as a cornerstone initiative.
The Child Care Food Program (CCFP) is designed to empower child care facilities in implementing optimal practices. Its core mission is to ensure that children have consistent access to a diverse range of nutritious foods, fostering healthy development and actively mitigating the risk of childhood obesity.
This program operates by providing reimbursements to participating organizations. These funds are specifically allocated for the nutritious meals and snacks provided to children under their care. A wide array of facilities are eligible to participate, including childcare centers, family day care homes, recreational centers, afterschool educational and enrichment programs, as well as shelters for domestic violence victims and homeless or runaway youth.
Furthermore, the Child Care Food Program extends its reach by facilitating the Afterschool Meals and Homeless Children Nutrition programs. All three of these essential programs are generously funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, underscoring the national commitment to children’s nutrition.
Navigating the Management Information and Payment System (MIPS)
For contractors approved under the CCFP, the Management Information and Payment System (MIPS) serves as a central online portal. This system allows approved providers to efficiently file claims and access essential forms and documents. Access MIPS to manage your program participation effectively.
Locating a Participating Provider
If you are seeking a child care facility that is already participating in the Child Care Food Program, resources are available to help you find a provider in your area. Lists of current participants can be accessed to identify facilities committed to providing nutritious meals under the CCFP guidelines.
Steps to Becoming a Child Care Food Program Provider
For organizations interested in joining the network of CCFP providers and making a difference in children’s lives, the process to become a participant is straightforward. To understand how your organization can participate in the Child Care Food Program, the Afterschool Meals Program, or the Homeless Children Nutrition Program, detailed information is available. Review the guide on becoming a Child Care Food Program provider to learn about eligibility criteria, application procedures, and program requirements.
Essential Program Information
| Resource | Description | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Farm to Preschool for Early Care and Education Providers | A guide developed by Florida Departments of Health, Children and Families, and Agriculture and Consumer Services. Offers practical tips for incorporating outdoor play, school gardens, and locally sourced foods into early childhood education. | Email | Facebook | Twitter |
Emergency Preparedness and Waiver Guidelines
Proactive Measures Before an Emergency
Being prepared for emergencies is a critical aspect of operating a Child Care Food Program. CCFP contractors are required to have a comprehensive written emergency preparedness plan. This plan should outline the organization’s operational strategies during an emergency and detail how service disruptions to children in care will be minimized. This plan must be readily available at your organization.
Key pre-storm actions include:
- Verification of MIPS Contact Information: Ensure all contact details within the MIPS system are up-to-date and accurate.
- Waiver Familiarization: Understand the circumstances that warrant a waiver, as outlined in the “Waivers” section below.
- Pre-printed Waiver Forms: Due to potential communication disruptions post-storm, print multiple blank waiver forms and store them in secure, accessible locations.
- Emergency Menu Planning: Develop menus that utilize shelf-stable food items and procure these supplies for emergency situations.
PUBLIC NOTICE – Disaster Waivers
Understanding Waiver Eligibility
In specific emergency situations, waivers can provide crucial flexibility to CCFP providers. If any of the following scenarios occur, it is essential to contact the Child Care Food Program office or submit a waiver request as promptly as possible:
- Inability to meet CCFP meal pattern requirements during operation.
- Temporary relocation of children to an alternative site.
- Challenges in meeting claim filing deadlines.
- Disruption to normal paperwork or computer systems affecting menus, meal counts, or monitoring.
- Loss or destruction of CCFP records, including records from the past three years.
- Providing care for children residing in or evacuating from a designated disaster zone.
- Caring for children from households receiving Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits.
- Operation as an emergency shelter providing temporary housing.
- Providing meals to displaced children temporarily housed in locations without meal provision capabilities due to a disaster.
Responsibilities of Sponsoring Organizations
Sponsoring organizations play a vital role in the Child Care Food Program. A key responsibility is to maintain current contact information for all sites under their sponsorship. Any disruptions to the monitoring schedule that could lead to non-compliance must be reported through a waiver.
