Nutritious meals are a fundamental need for all people, especially for growing children. Good nutrition promotes age-specific development and learning. It provides the necessary building blocks for maturation.
In the State of Iowa, more children receive care in childcare homes than in childcare centers. The CACFP Homes program works with registered Child Development Home providers to improve the nutritional level of the children they serve. It reimburses registered providers for providing USDA approved meals and snacks, ensuring the nutrition children need to grow. CACFP also promotes small business development at the local level.
As small businesses, home childcare providers are an essential element of the local economy, supplying an essential resource for working parents. The Child and Adult Care Food Program works with qualified providers to bring nutrition to our community’s future today. Together with CCR&R, PACES and the Quality Early Childhood Initiative, HACAP provides a variety of resources to improve the lives of our children and the quality of service they are provided.