FCC Provided Meals

When meals or snacks are provided by the FCC they must meet nutritional guidelines. Proper food handling, storage, and preparation practices are essential to prevent contamination and ensure children’s health. Providing nutritious meals and snacks is essential for children’s health and development. It is recommended that family child care businesses follow the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines or the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans to plan balanced menus. This includes offering a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Avoid serving foods high in added sugars and saturated fats. Be mindful of allergies and special dietary needs, working closely with parents to ensure each child’s nutritional requirements are met.

CACFP is a federally funded program that provides reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks served to children in FCC businesses. In California, CACFP is administered by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

Benefits of CACFP for FCCH Providers

• Financial Support: FCCH providers receive monthly reimbursements for serving eligible meals and snacks.
• Healthy Nutrition: Ensures that children receive balanced, nutritious meals that meet USDA standards.
• Guidance & Training: Providers receive nutritional education and support on meal planning and food safety.

Why FCC Businesses Should Join CACFP

• Increases financial support for meal costs.
• Helps provide nutritious meals to children.
• Offers free training & support in meal planning.
• Encourages healthy eating habits in early childhood.

Eligibility Requirements for FCC Participation

To participate in CACFP, an FCCH must:

• Be licensed or legally exempt from licensing
  • Care for at least one enrolled child who is not the provider’s own.
  • Serve meals and snacks that meet USDA meal pattern requirements.
  • Work with a CACFP sponsoring organization (Family Child Care Sponsors assist providers with enrollment, training, and reimbursement claims).

Meal Pattern Requirements

FCCH providers must serve meals that follow USDA meal pattern guidelines. 

Sample Daily Menu for Family Child Care

This sample follows CACFP guidelines and offers variety and balance:

Breakfast

• Whole grain oatmeal topped with sliced bananas
• Low-fat milk

Morning Snack

• Carrot sticks with hummus

Lunch

• Grilled chicken breast
• Brown rice
• Steamed broccoli and carrots
• Orange slices
• Low-fat milk

Afternoon Snack

• Whole grain crackers with low-fat cheese

Dinner (if applicable)

• Turkey meatballs with marinara sauce
• Whole wheat pasta
• Mixed salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers
• Apple slices

Water

Tips for Healthy Meal Planning

• Include all food groups at each meal to ensure balanced nutrition.
• Introduce new foods gradually to encourage variety and reduce pickiness.
• Make safe drinking water visible and accessible at all times (indoor and outdoor)
• Involve children in food preparation (where safe and age-appropriate) to encourage healthy eating habits.
• Serve age-appropriate portion sizes based on developmental needs.
• Introduce new foods slowly and without pressure; use repeated exposure.
• Limit sugary drinks, desserts, salty snacks, fried foods, and processed meats.
• Follow written medical statements for allergies, modified diets, or textures.
• Inform families of menu changes and accommodate cultural dietary preferences
• Plan ahead to balance fresh and shelf-stable ingredients while avoiding processed foods high in sodium and sugars.
• Follow food safety guidelines during meal preparation, including keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
• Provide meals and snacks at consistent times each day.
• Offer a variety of culturally relevant, nutrient-dense foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy). when possible.

Meal Reimbursement Rates & Tiers

CACFP reimburses providers based on a tiered system:

• Tier I (Higher Reimbursement):
  • Located in a low-income area or
  • Provider meets income eligibility (based on household size and income).
• Tier II (Lower Reimbursement):
  • Providers who do not qualify for Tier I.

Tier I providers receive a higher per-meal reimbursement compared to Tier II. Providers in Tier II can ask parents to complete income forms to qualify for higher reimbursement rates for some children.

Updated reimbursement rates can be found on the CDSS CACFP website.