4Cs Nutrition Programs
Because we believe that proper nutrition is one key to healthy brain development, 4Cs implements 2 nutrition-based programs. We are the local sponsor of the Child Care Food Program in Johnson, Clinton, and Cedar Counties. The goal of this program is to reimburse childcare providers for giving children in their care balanced, nutritious meals. We also distribute food through our Weekend Backpack Program which provides food to families of children in the 0-5 age range. The intention is to expose families to new foods and healthy, but easy-to-access, snacks. This program is also designed to eliminate the weekend stress of food–finding it, accessing it, cooking it, and/or purchasing it.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program federal funds provide an economic stimulus from the federal government as the money flows directly into the economy to buy food and pay for food service labor.
CACFP is a key source of financial support for child care in family child care homes. Last year, over three quarters of a billion dollars in food program funds were expended in states to serve an average of nearly a million children in family child care homes each working day. The funding comes without any state match requirement and with separate federally funded state administrative funds. On the small business level, the food program can provide up to $4,500 a year for a family child care home serving six children.
A Hidden Asset
Unfortunately, many child care providers do not know about the CACFP. Nationally, only about half of the eligible child care homes participate. There is an enormous potential for increasing the use of this resource. For each additional 1,200 children participating in the program, up to one million dollars in reimbursements will be injected into the state economy.
For more information contact Traci Miller, the 4Cs Food Program coordinator at 319-338-7684 ext 104. For information about the Food Program in other parts of Iowa call Ann Miller at 1-515-281-3744.
Downloadable Forms
- Diet Modification Request Form
Nine Areas of Civil Rights Compliance for Child Care Providers 2022-2023
Creditable And Non Creditable Foods
- Iowa WIC Approved Food List
- Handy Guide to Creditable Foods Iowa CACFP Home Program
- Creditable food for infants
- Download the CACFP Shopper App HERE
Menu Ideas
Helpful Websites
Iowa Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.6, 216.7, and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121 or 800-457-4416; website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/. This institution is an equal opportunity provider
