What Is the Child Care Food Program?

Child Care Food Program

The Child Care Food Program (CCFP) is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program designed to help children in care receive well-balanced meals. The program is available to children under twelve (12) years of age.

Meals are one of the biggest expenses involved in providing child care. The CCFP helps offset this cost so providers can serve nutritious meals.

Siskiyou Child Care Council (SCCC) is a sponsoring organization for child care homes, and accepts final administrative and financial responsibility for child care homes under our sponsorship.

Approved Meal Patterns

USDA meal pattern chart

Meal patterns are established by the USDA and follow the four basic food groups. For children over one year, the meal pattern is:

Breakfast (one of each)

  • Milk
  • Vegetable, fruit, or 100% juice
  • Bread or bread alternate

Snack – A.M. and P.M. (select two)

  • Meat or meat alternate
  • Fruit or vegetable
  • Bread

Lunch and Supper (one of each)

  • Meat or meat alternate
  • Two servings of vegetable and/or fruit

How Many Meals Can I Claim?

You can claim up to three meals per day, per child for reimbursement:

  • 2 main meals + 1 snack, or
  • 2 snacks + 1 main meal

The reimbursement rate (Tier I or Tier II) is dependent upon facility location, provider income, or the income of families served. Providers may claim their own children under 10 years of age if certain criteria are met.

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, 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.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at ascr.usda.gov or write to: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.