Since 1998, the Florida Department of Health’s Child Care Food Program (CCFP) has provided meals and snacks to eligible children enrolled with participating child care providers. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and authorized by federal and state regulations. In 2024, CCFP reimbursed child care providers for serving nearly 150 million meals to about 298,000 children across Florida.
The CCFP not only reimburses providers but also offers guidance on nutrition and encourages healthy habits among young children. According to the department, “Children who eat healthy foods are more attentive and have been found to be better learners. Eating well early in life has a positive effect on a child’s growth and can even reduce obesity risks.” Parents looking for child care are encouraged to consider facilities that participate in CCFP.
The program operates through four types of settings: child care centers, family day care homes, afterschool programs, and homeless or emergency shelters. Meals are available at no separate charge in most settings. In certain centers where there is a separate charge for meals, children from households within reduced-price income eligibility guidelines pay reduced prices—40 cents for lunch or supper, 30 cents for breakfast, and 15 cents for snacks—while those qualifying under free meal guidelines receive meals at no cost.
Eligibility extends to all participants who meet federal income standards. Children in Head Start programs funded by the Office of Head Start or those from families receiving benefits such as the Food Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families automatically qualify for free meals at participating sites.
Income eligibility guidelines are updated annually; between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, households must fall within specified income brackets based on household size to qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
The Florida Department of Health is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and works statewide to protect and improve public health through various efforts.
More information about participating providers can be found at FloridaHealth.gov/CCFP.
