Food Programs
The Child Care Food Program: Healthy Meals Made Easier
Helping child care providers serve nutritious meals with guidance and program support.
As a Food Program sponsor serving over 20 Florida counties, Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. helps child care centers, afterschool programs, and family child care homes meet nutrition standards, navigate program requirements, and receive support that makes providing healthy food more manageable every day.
Explore Program Resources in English, Creole, and Spanish.
Browse informational materials, forms, flyers, and links to support your participation in the program.
- CACFP Activity Pages for Kids
- CACFP Food Crediting Handbook
- CACFP Meal Patterns
- CACFP Yogurt Guide
- Child Care Center Food Safety Guide
- Child Meal Pattern
- Creditable Grains
- Creditable Milks
- Crediting Combination Foods Guide
- Example Personnel Activity Report
- Food Program Benefits
- Food Safety
- Identifying Sugar Limits in Cereals
- Infant Feeding Guide – USDA
- Infant Meal Pattern
- Is Your Cheese Creditable?
- Sample Menu
- Serving Fruits and Vegetables
- Standard Infant Menu
- WIC Cereal List
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Materiales del programa de alimentos en español
Learn About the
Food Program & Who Can Participate
The Food Program helps child care providers serve nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children, often up to age 18. Select your program type below to learn more and see if you qualify.
Healthy Eating for Better Learning
Proper nutrition has a direct impact on a child’s mind and ability to learn. And we believe no child should go hungry.
But that’s not all. In fact, there are four key benefits to this program:
- Helps reduce your food costs
- Teaches children healthy eating habits
- Ensures proper nutrition for children in your care
- Provides training in nutrition, food safety, and sanitation
Meals & Snack Requirements
Meals and snacks served through the Food Program must include specific food groups to meet nutrition guidelines.
Meals must contain:
Fruit
Vegetable
Grain
Meat/Meat Alternatives
Snacks must contain a minimum of two:
Fruit
Vegetable
Grain
Meat/Meat Alternatives
How We Help You Get Started
Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. makes enrolling in the Food Program simple and stress‑free. Our team will guide you through each step of the process—from completing your application to submitting required documents. We’re here to answer your questions, explain program requirements, and provide a personalized training session that covers meal guidelines and monthly claim submission. Ongoing support ensures you feel confident participating in the program.
Join The Program
Complete the form below or call 239‑936‑0899 to connect with our team to begin the enrollment process.