Arizona Wraps Up Its Celebration of National CACFP Week

In recognition of operators of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a federally-funded Child Nutrition Program administered by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), the Department joined 392 child care centers and preschools, 273 Head Start programs, seven emergency shelters, 325 afterschool programs, 12 adult day care centers and more than 2,200 in-home child care providers in celebrating National CACFP Week.

“We can all agree that basic nutrition is foundational to health and well-being,” Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman said. “These are essential values that we all share, regardless of any cultural or socio-economic differences. In order do the work of educating our children, nothing is more important than ensuring the quality of their health.”

The CACFP helps participating facilities serve nutritious meals and snacks to children and adults in their care. In 2018, the CACFP provided over 31 million meals and snacks to children and adults in Arizona.

Additionally, the program supports caregivers and educators through their work in establishing positive eating habits, promoting healthy growth and development of young children, as well as supporting the health and wellness of older adults, the chronically impaired and disabled persons.

Participating providers receive financial support, training and technical assistance, as well as ongoing compliance monitoring visits to maintain program integrity. Those enrolled in CACFP facilities are afforded access to high-quality meals and snacks at no additional cost to the family.

ADE supports participating facilities willing to continue to celebrate National CACFP Week all year by exploring one of the seven opportunities outlined on the attached flyer. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to ask their care facilities about their participation in the CACFP.

For additional information about the CACFP or to access a list of facilities currently operating the CACFP, please visit www.azed.gov/hns/cacfp. Or feel free to call 602-542-8700 (press 1 for Community Nutrition Programs) to learn more about these invaluable programs.