Nutritious meals are a fundamental need for all people, especially for growing children. Good nutrition promotes age-specific development and learning. It provides children with the building blocks necessary 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 home care providers to improve the nutritional level of the children they serve, sustaining quality growth for children and promoting small business development at the local level. This program reimburses registered providers for providing USDA approved meals and snacks, ensuring the nutrition children need to grow and supporting the survival of small, start-up 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.