The foundation of a child’s healthy development is built upon proper nutrition. Research consistently demonstrates that well-nourished children exhibit better health outcomes, increased attentiveness, and improved cognitive functions compared to those facing undernourishment. Recognizing this critical link, the Florida Child Care Food Program (CCFP) plays a vital role in ensuring that young learners across the state have access to the nutritious meals they need to thrive.
The Child Care Food Program is designed to support child care facilities in implementing best practices for nutrition. It empowers these facilities to offer a diverse range of nutritious foods, promoting healthy growth and actively working to reduce childhood obesity risks. This is achieved by providing financial reimbursement to participating organizations for the wholesome meals and snacks they serve to children in their care.
A wide array of facilities can benefit from and participate in the CCFP. These include childcare centers, family day care homes, recreational centers, afterschool educational and enrichment programs, as well as vital support systems like domestic violence and homeless/runaway shelters. The Florida Child Care Food Program also extends its reach by administering the Afterschool Meals and Homeless Children Nutrition programs, further solidifying its commitment to comprehensive child nutrition. All of these impactful programs are made possible through funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service.
Managing Your Program with MIPS
For contractors approved to participate in the Florida Child Care Food Program, the Management Information and Payment System (MIPS) is a crucial tool. This online portal allows providers to efficiently file claims and access essential forms and documents, streamlining the administrative processes of the program. Participating providers can access MIPS through the login portal.
Locate a Participating Provider
For parents and guardians seeking child care that prioritizes nutrition, the Florida Child Care Food Program maintains lists of participating providers. These lists offer a valuable resource for finding facilities committed to offering nutritious meals and snacks as part of the program.
Becoming a Provider with the Florida Child Care Food Program
Organizations dedicated to providing quality child care and nutritious meals are encouraged to explore becoming a Florida Child Care Food Program provider. Information on how your organization can join the CCFP, as well as the Afterschool Meals Program and Homeless Children Nutrition Program, is readily available. Detailed guidance on the application process and program requirements can be found on the prospective provider information page.
Essential Program Resources
The Florida Child Care Food Program offers a variety of resources to support providers in delivering excellent nutrition services. One notable resource is the “Florida Farm to Preschool for Early Care and Education Providers” guide. Created through a collaborative effort by the Florida Departments of Health, Children and Families, and Agriculture and Consumer Services, this guide offers practical tips on incorporating farm-to-preschool activities, outdoor play, school gardens, and locally sourced foods into early childhood education settings.
Emergency Preparedness and Waiver Information for the Florida Child Care Food Program
Ensuring the continuity of nutritious meals during emergencies is a priority of the Florida Child Care Food Program. Providers are required to have a comprehensive written emergency preparedness plan outlining how they will maintain operations and minimize service disruptions during emergencies.
Preparing for Emergencies
Prior to any potential emergency, CCFP contractors should take proactive steps:
- Maintain an updated emergency preparedness plan at your organization.
- Verify the accuracy of contact information within MIPS.
- Familiarize yourself with waiver options available during emergencies.
- Print blank waiver forms and store them in multiple accessible locations.
- Develop emergency menus utilizing shelf-stable food items and maintain an inventory of these supplies.
Disaster Waivers: Ensuring Continued Support
In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the Florida Child Care Food Program offers flexibility through disaster waivers. If any of the following situations arise, providers should contact the CCFP office or submit a waiver promptly:
- Inability to meet standard CCFP meal pattern requirements while operating.
- Temporary relocation of children to an alternative site.
- Challenges in meeting claim filing deadlines.
- Disruption to normal paperwork or computer systems (menus, meal counts, monitoring records, etc.).
- Loss or destruction of CCFP records, including records from the past three years.
- Providing care for children displaced from or residing in designated disaster areas.
- Serving children from households receiving Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits.
- Operating as a temporary emergency shelter.
- Providing meals to displaced children temporarily housed in locations lacking meal service capabilities.
Responsibilities of Sponsoring Organizations
Sponsoring organizations play a crucial role in the Florida Child Care Food Program. They are responsible for ensuring up-to-date contact information for all participating sites under their sponsorship. Any disruptions to monitoring schedules that may lead to non-compliance must be reported through a waiver request.
The Florida Child Care Food Program stands as a critical support system for ensuring the nutritional well-being of Florida’s youngest population. By providing resources, reimbursements, and guidance, the program empowers child care providers to create environments where children can thrive, learn, and grow strong.
