What is The Child Care Food Program?

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Located in Springfield Missouri, The Child Care Food Program is a reimbursement program for licensed and registered daycare providers. CCFP is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, managed and directed by the Missouri Department of Health and sponsored by the Council of Churches of the Ozarks.

The Child Care Food Program currently serves 210 providers representing a 30-county area, with approximately 4,500 children enrolled. Through our program, child care providers can focus on serving higher quality meals without straining other program resources. We believe that regardless of geographic location and economic standing, all children deserve access to healthy and nutritious meals.

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With children receiving two thirds of their daily food consumption while away from home, the Child Care Food Program helps day care providers keep the cost of day care down while contributing to our future generation through healthy meals and snacks that help develop strong minds and bodies. The Child Care Food Program ensures good eating habits that last a lifetime.

Common Questions About The Program

How Can I Participate In This Program?

We welcome all applications from licensed or registered childcare providers. We are a federally mandated program and therefore the following requirements must be met to be a part of our organization:

  • Become a licensed day care/group home (Daycare must be conducted in a private residence).
  • Be caring for at least one day care child.
  • Fill out and submit an online information request.
  • A staff person will set up a time to visit with you in your home and help you enroll in the program.

What Happens After I Enroll?

Have you ever wondered what happens after you become a part of the food program? What requirements have to be met in order to stay on the program?

Here is a quick overview:

  • Feed your day care children using nutrition guidelines.
  • Once a month, submit menus and attendance forms. (Forms and envelopes provided).
  • Allow one of our staff to monitor a meal being served three times a year.
  • Attend one training session per year.

In the operation of the Child Nutrition Programs, no child or provider will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability, and there is no discrimination in the course of the meal service. If you believe that you have been treated unfairly in receiving food services for any of these reasons, write immediately to USDA, DIR., Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800)795-3272 (voice) or (202)720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.