USDA Child Care Food Program
Infant/Toddler Family Day Care (ITFDC) sponsors the USDA Child Care Food Program for children in family child care homes. The United States Department of Agriculture funds the USDA Child Care Food Program which follows nutrition guidelines similar to the National School Lunch Program.
Benefits
Family child care providers who participate in the USDA Child Care Food Program receive reimbursements for meals and snacks served to children in care and receive training on nutrition, menu planning, budgeting, food safety, and children’s nutrition activities.
Program Requirements
Family child care providers must follow several requirements to participate in the USDA Child Care Food Program:
- Hold a current state license, registration, local approval, military certification or extension letter;
- Follow USDA meal patterns;
- Serve healthy and nutritious foods;
- Submit monthly menus and attendance records to receive reimbursement;
- Record meals and snacks at the time when they are served, keep records up to date and available for reviews;
- Allow a minimum of three home visits per year; and
- Attend a yearly training.
Claim Submission
USDA forms are easy to follow and submit. ITFDC will train you how to fill out the enrollment forms and how to complete your menus online from any computer with internet access using Minute Menu Web HX or using bubble menus-paper forms.
Enrollment
Contact ITFDC at 703-352-3449 to enroll in the USDA Child Care Program today.
Our Favorite Links:
- The USDA Food Safety Twitter page for up to date information on the importance of safe food handling and reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- The Minute Menu Child Care Info web site for food and fitness information
- Healthy Eating From the Start - eight easy ways that families can use mealtimes to support their child’s growth and development.
- Dietary Guidelines 2010
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
To file a complaint alleging discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call, toll-free, (866) 632-9992 (voice). TDD users can contact USDA through local relay or the Federal Relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice users). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
