CACFP offers young children enrolled in our Early Care and Education programs a strong nutritional foundation that not only supports their immediate growth and development but also nurtures a healthier and brighter future. We understand that early childhood is a crucial period for forming lifelong habits, and nutrition plays a pivotal role in this journey.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a state and federally-funded nutrition program that provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults who are enrolled for care at participating child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers. At Felton’s Early Care and Education programs, we take pride in our participation in CACFP, a long-standing program that continues to positively impact the lives of low-income children aged 0-5 years old.
Supported by state and federal funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), our program aims to provide nutritious meals and snacks to young children while promoting lifelong healthy eating habits.
We participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Care Food Program by providing nutritious meals and snacks to infants and children ages 0-5 enrolled in our Early Care and Education Programs as a regular part of their day care. While state and national funders also support centers serving adults over the age of 60 or living with a disability and enrolled in day care facilities, at Felton Institute, our CACFP specifically contributes to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children.
All families enrolled in Felton’s Early Care and Education programs automatically participate in our CACFP. During the intake process, families complete the CACFP Meal Benefit form. To ensure continued participation, we conduct annual re-certifications for each child and family enrolled in our programs.
We offer a nutritious breakfast, a.m. snack, lunch, and p.m. snack.
Family Style Meal Service:
Incorporating the Child and Adult Care Food Program into our overall child development philosophy, we provide all enrolled infants and children over 12 months of age with a nutritious breakfast, morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack. Our meals are served family-style across all ECE programs, promoting meaningful interactions as children and teachers sit together at the table to enjoy meals and snacks. This approach fosters improved motor skills, self-confidence, social skills, and table manners among our young learners.
Seasonal and Diverse Menus:
We provide diverse menus that encompass all food groups, encouraging children to explore new flavors and textures while expanding their palates. These menus are shared in each classroom, fostering meaningful conversations about food choices between teachers, children, and families.
Tailored Meal Accommodations:
Our Child and Adult Care Food Program accommodates children with special dietary needs, including allergies, intolerances, and disabilities. We work closely with families to ensure that every child receives meals that are safe, delicious, and tailored to their individual dietary requirements.
Our Culinary Team:
Behind our program is a dedicated team: a Head Cook, a Cook, and a Center Assistant who prepare approximately 6,000 meals per month for all children in our ECE programs.
These individuals are certified in food handling and safety, ensuring that each meal is prepared with the utmost care and attention.
Nutritional Excellence:
We follow stringent nutritional guidelines set forth by the USDA, ensuring that every meal we serve meets their strict requirements. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every child receives the nutrition they need to thrive.
What Role Does Felton Play in Helping Families of Children 0-5 Have Access to Nutritious Meals?
Felton is dedicated to supporting families who seek nutritional assistance for their children aged 0-5 through our Child and Adult Care Food Program. We aim to provide essential nourishment to over 400 young children while also raising awareness about the importance of access to nutritious meals in early childhood.
As advocates for comprehensive food services, Felton strives to offer the latest information and resources related to meal provision, and dietary education within our Child and Adult Care Food Program to promote the health and well-being of our community’s youngest members.
How does CACFP benefit low-income families in San Francisco?
Felton’s Child and Adult Care Food Program isn’t just about nutrition; it’s about changing lives. Here’s how our program positively impacts low-income families:
- Access to Nutritious Meals: We bridge the gap for low-income families, providing access to nutritious meals that support their children’s growth and development. By alleviating this financial burden, families can focus on other essential needs.
- Healthier Futures: Our program promotes healthier eating habits from an early age, reducing the risk of future health problems. We empower these children with the tools they need for lifelong well-being.
- Educational Success: Proper nutrition is closely linked to cognitive development. By providing nutritious meals, we contribute to improved learning outcomes and kindergarten readiness.
- Supporting Working Families: For parents juggling work and childcare, our program offers peace of mind. They know their children are receiving quality meals in a safe and nurturing environment.
Are you a potential funder looking to invest in our families?
Felton’s Child and Adult Care Food Program is not possible without the support of caring individuals and organizations like you. By investing in our program, you help us continue providing nutritious meals to low-income children, giving them a brighter future.
If you are a potential funder interested in making a difference in the lives of these children, please contact us by emailing cacfp@felton.org to learn more about our initiatives and partnership opportunities.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Service Area: San Francisco, California.
Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP)
Address: 2730 Bryant Street, 1st Floor, San Francisco, CA 94110
Program Email: cacfp@felton.org
For more information, please contact:
Jacqueline Hernandez, BA., Operations Supervisor
Office Phone: (415) 282-1090 ext. 1211
Email: jhernandez@felton.org
Yohana I. Quiróz, Ed.D., Felton Institute Chief Operations Officer (COO),
Division Director, Children, Youth, Family and Transitional Age Youth Services (CYFTAY)
Email: yquiroz@felton.org
Childcare Food Program USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a state and federally funded Child Nutrition Program. Felton Institute is a CACFP-participating organization. The U.S. Department of Agriculture administers the program nationwide, providing funding to states. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) administers the program in California.