State encourages enrollment in the Child and Adult Care Food Program
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is highlighting the importance of increased access to nutritious food during National Child and Adult Care Food Program Week (March 12-18, 2023) by encouraging child and adult day care centers to apply to be a part of this vital program. The Child and Adult Care Food Program is a federal initiative offering reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks for children and adults at participating centers and day care homes.
“We are committed to creating a Colorado where all youth and older adults have equitable, convenient, regular access to healthy food,” said Naomi Steenson, CDPHE Child and Adult Care Food Program director. “Research has shown that participation in the program has positive effects on food insecurity and contributes to improved health outcomes for participants, including reduced rates of obesity and decreased risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes.”
CDPHE administers the Child and Adult Care Food Program in Colorado. Participating child care centers, adult day care centers, home daycare providers, homeless and emergency centers, and school districts throughout the nation serve more than 4.9 million free, nutritious meals and snacks to children and seniors each day. National Child and Adult Care Food Program Week is an opportunity to honor and recognize the contributions that these providers make toward creating more equitable and convenient access to healthy food.
“The Child and Adult Care Food Program has made it possible to run a successful kitchen and compose a well-balanced menu,” said Samuel Twining, a chef with participating provider Auraria Higher Education Center. “I love sharing all that I have learned through the program. Not only are the children eating a variety of delicious food, but we are making an impact on their health and starting their nutritious journey of food.”
Participating providers follow United States Department of Agriculture meal standards, which include serving milk, fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat/meat alternatives. The meal standards allow for a wide variety of culturally sensitive foods, and participants have the opportunity to choose from a selection of foods at each meal.
If you would like to learn more about how your child care center or adult day care program may participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, call 303-692-2330 or visit https://cdphe.colorado.gov/CACFP.
