Since 1998, the Florida Department of Health’s Child Care Food Program (CCFP) has provided meals and snacks to eligible children enrolled with participating child care providers. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and operates under federal and state regulations. In 2024, CCFP reimbursed providers for serving nearly 150 million meals to about 298,000 children across Florida.
The CCFP also offers guidance to child care providers on serving nutritious foods and teaching children about healthy eating habits. 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.” The department encourages parents seeking child care in Florida to consider enrolling their children with providers that participate in the program. More information is available at FloridaHealth.gov/CCFP.
The program reimburses child care providers for meals and snacks that meet or exceed federal and state nutrition standards. Participating facilities include child care centers, family day care homes, afterschool programs, homeless shelters, and certain emergency shelters.
In non-pricing child care centers, meals are offered at no extra charge to eligible children. Pricing centers may charge for meals but must provide reduced-price or free options based on household income levels. Family day care homes, afterschool programs, homeless shelters, and certain emergency shelters offer meals at no separate charge.
Eligibility for free or reduced-price meals is determined by household income according to guidelines effective from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. For example, a family of four qualifies for free meals if their annual income does not exceed $41,795; for reduced-price meals the limit is $59,478 annually.
Head Start participants funded by the Office of Head Start within the Administration of Children and Families (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), as well as children from households receiving Food Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families benefits are automatically eligible for free meal benefits at participating facilities.
The Florida Department of Health is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and works to protect public health through coordinated efforts across state, county, and community levels.
