Food Program
Child Health and Nutrition
4Cs Child Health and Nutrition Program is a sponsor for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in Sonoma, Marin and Napa counties. We support and reimburse licensed child care providers who serve meals and snacks to children in their care. We provide nutrition guidance through in-home visits, training, and additional resources, which help improve the health and eating habits of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Forms
Links
4Cs Food Program Handbook
Reasons to Join the Food Program:
BENEFITS TO THE CHILD
The Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) offers lifetime benefits. Proper nutrition during the early years of childhood ensures appropriate development and reduces physical and educational problems later in life. The preschool years are when eating patterns and habits are being established that may determine the quality of one’s diet throughout life. Children who are in day care with providers who participate on the CACFP are given the opportunity of nutrition education by providers who understand their role in shaping attitudes toward the acceptance of nutritious foods. Providers create an atmosphere that instills a positive, curious attitude about food from the earliest years.
BENEFITS FOR THE PARENTS
Parents are assured that their children will be served high quality meals. The benefit is children are less likely to experience fatigue and illness, and less time a parent must be absent from work. The child is also more likely to be healthy, happy and develop at a normal physical, emotional and intellectual pace.
BENEFITS FOR THE FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDER
Providers receive valuable nutrition education that helps them know the proper foods to feed children in amounts appropriate for these young age groups. They receive help through nutrition education and personal visits from CACFP staff in understanding how to encourage positive eating habits that will benefit a child throughout life. They help children make healthy choices for their meal and snack foods that will last a lifetime.
BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY
Because of the CACFP, federal tax monies are returned to California and invested in the health of the community’s children. The added revenue is a means of helping to keep child care costs down for employees working in the community. Since only licensed providers are eligible to participate in the program, unlicensed providers have an incentive to comply with local child care ordinances.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal and, where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or if all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities). If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint.filing.cust.html or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send you completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Av., S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 by fax (202) 690-7442 or email program.intake@usda.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.