“National Child & Adult Care Food Program Week is March 12 -18 and Waldo Community Action Partners is looking forward to celebrating it,” said WCAP, in a news release.

WCAP works with 12 daycare providers and two centers in the county, helping them serve over 5,500 nutritious meals every month.

The goal of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is to serve nutritious meals to children in child care homes and centers and in afterschool programs. The CACFP also serves adults in day care. Secondary goals are: 1. The establishment of positive eating habits at the earliest stages of development. 2. Reduction of future health care and education costs due to lack of proper early development. 3. Training and support of local child care personnel. Research also indicates that the CACFP is an indicator of quality child care.

During National CACFP Week, Waldo Community Action Partners joins with all other organizations nation-wide working in the CACFP in acknowledging the many ways our community benefits from the program.

Children and adults that are cared for by providers participating in the CACFP benefit from the nutritious meals that follow the CACFP meal pattern that ensure proper development. Children in CACFP receive meals that are nutritionally superior to those served to children in comparable child care settings not participating in the CACFP. These children benefit from early nutrition education that helps them establish positive eating habits that will enrich the quality of their diet throughout their life. Research shows that CACFP reduces food insecurity and plays a vital, clear role in promoting nutrition security.

Parents of children in child care are assured that their child(ren) receives high quality meals. With proper nutrition, the child is less likely to experience illness and fatigue and will develop at a normal physical and intellectual pace.

“Good nutrition is the recipe for an all-around happier child,” said the release. “By expanding access and strengthening CACFP, working families can ensure that their children are well cared for and receive the nutrient-rich diet and tools they need to be healthy.”

Providers receive nutrition education and support services from their CACFP sponsor that help them serve nutritious meals and create a positive eating environment for children. Reimbursement for CACFP participation supports providers in offering nutritious meals to those in their care. As a result, CACFP providers serve more fruits, vegetables, and milk than non-CACFP child care providers.

Nationally, this program provides over 1.8 billion meals and snacks to over 4.5 million children daily in child care centers, family day care homes, after-school programs, and over 137,000 adults in adult day care. Over 62,000 child care centers and 115,000 family day care providers work with 800 sponsors to use CACFP to provide children with high quality nutrition and learning experiences.

In Waldo County, CACFP providers serve over 5,500 nutritious meals every month.

“Please join us in honoring all CACFP providers for their invaluable work done on behalf of Maine children,” said WCAP.