Colorado Food Program information for child care centers

The Colorado Food Program serves:

• Infants and children under age 13.
• Migrant children under age 15.
• Individuals with disabilities who receive care in a child care center where most participants are under age 18.

Eligible adult day care centers:

• A 501-c3 nonprofit.
• A for-profit child care center. For-profit institutions are eligible to participate if 25% of enrolled participants or 25% of the license capacity of the institutions are Colorado Child Care Assistance Program For Families (CCCAP) beneficiaries or are eligible for Free and Reduced meals as documented by valid and current Income Eligibility Forms.

For child care centers, participation in the Colorado Food Program:

• Helps cover the cost of two meals and a daily snack per child that are aligned with licensing rules. Savings can be used for other child care program needs.
  • How much money you might receive?
    • Cost Benefit tool in English. (PDF)
    • Cost Benefit tool in Spanish (Español). (PDF)
• Offers nutrition education and professional development opportunities for child care center staff.
• Supports marketing of the program to families who want their children to receive nutritious meals.
• Can support the cost of staff responsible for carrying out the Colorado Food Program.

For children, participation in the Colorado Food Program:

• Exposes them to new, healthy foods.
• Provides healthy meals so they can learn, thrive, and be curious about the world around them.
• Supports their social skills and language development during meal time.

For families, participation in the Colorado Food Program:

• Helps them stretch their food resources at home.
• Supports the healthy development of their children during the critical early years.
• Provides ideas about different meal choices to try at home.