While studies prove that good nutrition is imperative for young children's developing brains, Vermont is ranked 49th in the nation for participation in the federal reimbursement program that helps child care centers provide meals. Hunger Free Vermont works to improve access to this vital reimbursement program and provide logistical assistance to centers to help them offer nutritious meals. Another important part of our outreach work is to provide trainings to child care staff on nutrition education, menu planning, and best practices such as serving meals family-style. 

In 2010, 7,100 children in child care received nutritious meals through CACFP, bringing in $3.9 million to Vermont and reaching over 300 more chilcren in vermont compared to 2009.

Which programs can participate?

To be eligible to participate in the federal reimbursement program, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a center must be registered or licensed by the Department for Children and Families, and be either:

• a public or private non-profit organization;
• a for-profit center in which 25% of the children receive child care subsidies or are eligible for free or reduced-priced school meals

Who is eligible?

• children age 12 and under, including infants
• School-age children through age 18 in certain areas. Request a reimbursement estimate to find out if this applies to you.

How much will I receive in reimbursements?

• To get an estimate of how much your child care center or home may be eligible to receive click here.

Child Care Nutrition Resources

• CACFP brochure for centers (.pdf) Information for child care centers on the beenfits of participating in CACFP
• CACFP brochure for registered child care homes (.pdf) The same information for registered home care providers.
• Is your child care center located in Burlington or Winooski? Do you not have the facilities or capacity to serve meals in your child care center? The FRESH Food program of Vermont Works for Women can help by providing catered meals to your center. Find out more information on the Vermont Works for Women site and by clicking FRESH Food!

For more information contact Tracie Clarke, Child Nutrition Advocate at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .