Supporting Healthy Meals in San Francisco’s Child Care Community

By Laura Urban, Associate Director, Health & Nutrition

National Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week is March 16-22, 2025! 

CACFP week is an annual national education campaign sponsored by the National CACFP Sponsors Association. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of how the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) works to combat hunger and highlight its profound impact on communities. In San Francisco, where many families face food insecurity, this program plays a vital role in ensuring access to nutritious meals for children. 

Children’s Council’s Role 

Children’s Council of San Francisco has offered the CACFP for nearly 30 years, and we are proud to be one of three CACFP sponsors serving Family Child Care Centers in San Francisco. By partnering with dedicated child care providers, we help ensure that San Francisco’s youngest residents have access to the nourishment they need to grow, thrive and learn. 

Through the CACFP, Children’s Council offers comprehensive support to Family Child Care Centers, including:  

(1) Training and Technical Assistance: We provide training to help providers understand and implement CACFP guidelines and remain in compliance, and  

(2) Reimbursement for Nutritious Meals: By reimbursing providers for serving meals and snacks that meet USDA nutritional guidelines, we support the health of children and alleviating food insecurity for families. 

The Impact of CACFP  

For children, the CACFP offers consistent access to healthy meals that supports their development. For families, it reduces the cost of food, allowing them to focus on other essential priorities and expenses. For providers, it enhances their quality of care and offsets costs of meals and snacks – making their business more viable.  

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Looking Ahead 

As we celebrate CACFP Week, we reaffirm our commitment to working together to ensure every child in San Francisco has the nutrition they need to succeed. 

Happy CACFP Week! 

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