Food Reimbursement
In addition to guidance on providing healthy meals for young children, Family Child Care providers may also be eligible to receive reimbursement for meals and snacks through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). CACFP is a federally funded program that supports providers in offering nutritious meals while helping offset the cost of food.
In California, CACFP is administered by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). To participate, providers must meet program requirements, including maintaining a current license, keeping daily menu records, and following established nutrition and documentation guidelines. For many providers, CACFP offers both financial support and helpful structure for planning balanced, high-quality meals.
Family Child Care providers in Orange County can connect with a local CACFP sponsoring organization to begin the application process. In addition to reimbursements, sponsors provide valuable support such as nutrition education, in-home guidance, and ongoing technical assistance. Reaching out to a local sponsor is a great first step for providers who want to strengthen their meal program while managing food costs.
Why FCCH Providers 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
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.
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 child.
- 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
FCC Food Buying Calculator: is a helpful tool for family child care business owners to plan and buy the right amount of food for the children they serve. The calculator uses serving sizes based on age and meal type to make meal planning easier, reduce food waste, and ensure children get healthy, well-portioned meals. This tool also helps providers stay on track with CACFP guidelines and manage food costs more effectively.
Sample Food Buying Calculator by Age
| Age Group | Meal Type | Component | Serving Size per Child | # of Children | Total Amount Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 yrs. | Breakfast | Milk | ½ cup | ||
| Fruit/Vegetable | ¼ cup | ||||
| Grain | ½ serving | ||||
| 3–5 yrs. | Lunch | Milk | ¾ cup | ||
| Meat/Meat Alternate | 1½ oz | ||||
| Vegetable #1 | ¼ cup | ||||
| Vegetable #2 | ¼ cup | ||||
| Grain | ½ serving | ||||
| 6–12 yrs. | Snack | Fruit/Vegetable | ¾ cup | ||
| Grain or Protein | 1 oz |
