Licensed Child Care Centers 

Download the application form. 

Child care providers have a powerful opportunity to instill healthy habits in young children that serve as a foundation for healthy choices in life.

Child Care Centers offering meals through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) play a critical role in supporting the wellness, health, and development of children through the provision of nutritious foods.

CACFP can provide nutritious meals and snacks to infants and children as a regular part of their day care. Even though CACFP reimburses centers at free, reduced-price, or paid rates for eligible meals and snacks served to enrolled children, that program is not fully utilized. 

For example: In 2025 only 19% of childcare center meals available to low-income children were provided.  

Those eligible to participate in CACFP include, public or private nonprofit child care centers, Head Start programs, care centers that operate outside-school-hours, and organizations that are licensed or approved to provide day care services.

For-profit centers that serve lower income children may also be eligible.

Childcare centers can estimate federal reimbursements here.