Food Programs

What is the Child Care Food Program?

Welcome to Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc! We are a Child Care Food Program sponsor reaching 24 Florida counties. The Food Program is designed to help Child Care Center providers, After School Program providers, and Family Childcare Home providers serve healthy and nutritious meals and snacks to the children in their care. We are here to help you achieve that goal while also receiving reimbursement funds for your participation. Interested? Let us know. Together we can make a make a difference, one healthy meal at a time!

Click on the links below for more information about the food program.

Meals must contain:

Milk

Fruit

Vegetable

Grain

Meat/Meat Alternatives

Snacks must contain a minimum of two:

Milk

Fruit

Vegetable

Grain

Meat/Meat Alternatives

Healthy Eating for Better Learning

Why worry about what kids eat? 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:

1. Helps reduce your food costs
2.Teaches children healthy eating habits
3. Ensures proper nutrition for children in your care
4. Provides training in nutrition, food safety, and sanitation

Who Can
Participate?

In many cases, eligible children can be up to age 18. And the following types of child care providers might qualify:

1. Public or private nonprofit childcare centers
2. Head-Start programs
3. After school programs
4. Other state licensed family child care homes
5. Licensed for-profit centers that meet the enrollment criteria

How to Enroll

With the guidance of our Training & Development Coordinator, you will submit required documents and complete your application. We will answer any questions you may have, and schedule a personalized training session which will cover all aspects of the Food Program including how to submit your claim each month for reimbursement. Reimbursement funds are distributed on a monthly basis via direct deposit.