Nutrition
Food insecurity is a serious issue affecting millions of children and families in the United States. At Children Today, nutritious meals are a core part of our trauma-informed care. Here’s how we feed our children, and why it matters.
Food insecurity is a serious issue affecting millions of children and families in the United States. Many of the families we work with have experienced periods of privation as a result of limited income, or because they live in neighborhoods that are resource poor (food deserts), or because living in shelters limits their ability to prepare meals for themselves. Beyond that, we know that a healthy, balanced, diet is a critical component of every child's growth and development.
That's why we take great care in preparing healthy and delicious meals every day for our children to enjoy. Every breakfast, lunch, and snack we serve meets USDA nutritional guidelines. Every year, we serve over 25,000 meals.
Quick Facts
CHILD & ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM
Children Today receives funding from the Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the California Department of Education.
What is the Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)?
"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, day care homes, and adult day care centers. — USDA.GOV
Hover to learn more.
Curious about what the Child & Adult Care Food Program is? Here’s a breakdown, direct from USDA's site:
Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
Mail:
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U.S. Department of Agriculture
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Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
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1400 Independence Ave, SW
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Washington, DC 20250-9410
Fax: (202) 690-7442
Email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.