Since 1998, the Florida Department of Health’s Child Care Food Program (CCFP) has been providing nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children enrolled with participating child care providers. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and operates under federal and state guidelines. In 2024, CCFP reimbursed providers for serving nearly 150 million meals to about 298,000 children in Florida.
According to the department, “Children who eat healthy foods are more attentive and have been found to be better learners. Eating well early in life has a positive effect on a child’s growth and can even reduce obesity risks. Parents seeking child care in Florida are encouraged to enroll their children with providers who participate in CCFP. Learn more at: FloridaHealth.gov/CCFP.”
The CCFP reimburses participating child care providers and ensures that all meals and snacks meet or exceed federal and state nutrition standards. The program is available at four types of settings: child care centers, family day care homes, afterschool programs, and homeless or emergency shelters.
In non-pricing child care centers, meals are provided at no separate charge to eligible children. Pricing centers offer reduced-price meals for qualifying households based on income eligibility guidelines; these range from 40 cents for lunch or supper to 15 cents for snacks. Family day care homes, afterschool programs, and certain shelters provide meals at no cost to eligible children.
Eligibility extends to all qualified participants, including Head Start enrollees funded by the Office of Head Start within the Administration of Children and Families, as well as children from families receiving Food Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families benefits.
The current income eligibility guidelines for free or reduced-price meals are effective from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. For example, a household of four qualifies for free meals if annual income does not exceed $41,795; the threshold for reduced-price meals is $59,478 annually.
Information about participating providers is organized by facility type and available online at FloridaHealth.gov/CCFP.
The Florida Department of Health states that it “works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.” The department is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board.
For more information about the program or department activities visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
