March 21, 2024
DOYLESTOWN - YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties participated in last week’s USDA CACFP Week (March 10-16), raising awareness of how the program works to combat hunger in Y programs in Bucks County.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federal program that provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults who are enrolled for care at participating child care centers and school age child care programs. The YMCA is the leading nonprofit child care provider in Bucks County dedicated to helping improve the health of at-risk families. In 2023, the Y was certified as a Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) by the USDA. Through the year, the Y distributed 17,099 meals to 92 children in Morrisville child care programs through CACFP, including students in Pre-K Counts, traditional child care and school age child care.
Children participating in CACFP benefit from early nutrition education that helps them establish positive eating habits that will enrich the quality of their diet throughout their lives. Research shows that CACFP reduces food insecurity and plays a vital, clear role in promoting nutrition security.
“The CACFP food program has been an absolute blessing to our family,” said a Morrisville child care parent. “Knowing that my son will receive both breakfast and lunch each day he is in care has been a huge relief for us.”
Along with social media posts and awareness signage in CACFP child care locations, children from the Morrisville program were provided a cookbook of easy, healthy recipes to bring home to share with their families. Students also participated in making healthy pita pockets for themselves from one of the book’s recipes.
“The program is first and foremost about feeding children in our community who struggle with food insecurity,” stated Valerie Tanner, association director of community initiatives for YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. “But it is also about nutrition education for the children in our care. Sharing the recipe book with our families and making the pita pockets in school helps us continue to spread that message about the importance of eating healthy while at this important stage of development, and through life.”
Parents of children in child care are assured that their children receive high quality meals. With proper nutrition, their children are less likely to experience illness and fatigue and will develop at a normal physical and intellectual pace. 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.