The Maryland State Department of Education's (MSDE) School and Community Nutrition Programs Branch celebrates National Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week, March 16-22, 2008. The theme, "Festive Foods and Tasty Treats Can Be Nutritious & Fun to Eat," emphasizes the important role the CACFP plays in promoting lifelong healthy eating and physical activity habits in children.
The CACFP is a U.S. Department of Agriculture funded nutrition education and reimbursement program for licensed child care centers and family child care homes. During National CACFP Week, MSDE will join Maryland's child care providers in acknowledging the many ways our community benefits from the CACFP.
Children enrolled in child care centers and family child care homes that participate in the CACFP receive nutritious meals that ensure their proper development. Children benefit from early nutrition education which helps establish positive eating habits that will enrich the quality of their diet throughout their life. Healthy eating can be a fun learning experience, as well.
The quality of child care provided in our community is improved because of the educational and financial resources available to caregivers through the CACFP. In Maryland, 4,264 child care providers are enrolled in the CACFP. Last year, the CACFP helped child care providers serve nutritious meals to 2.4 million children across our nation. MSDE honors all CACFP providers for their invaluable work done on behalf of Maryland children proving that good nutrition is the recipe for an all-around happier child.
For more information visit the Maryland State Department of Education website link at http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/programs/schoolnutrition