Program

  • Answer: Participating with the Food Program is a win-win situation.

    • “Kids Win” because they’re eating nutritious meals and snacks in a safe, healthy environment.
    • “You Win” by receiving cash reimbursements for serving nutritious meals and snacks to the children in your care. You also receive nutrition education and program training to help you offer a quality day care program.

  • Answer: Yes. Meals served to children on provider-supervised field trips/picnics may be reimbursed. You must call the office before you go for “pre-approval”. You and the office must document the following:

    • Date of field trip/picnic
    • Field trip/picnic destination
    • Time
    • Meal served (Breakfast, am snack, lunch, pm snack, dinner, ev. snack)
    • Meal components
    • How you will keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot
    • How you will ensure proper hand washing

  • Answer: Give children enough time to enjoy their meal. Children must be allowed 15 minutes to eat a meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) and 10 minutes to eat a snack.

  • Answer: No. Meals must be served at the approved site (provider home) as part of the day care program. “Pre-approved” field trips/picnics are the only exception. Meals given to children to take to school or home are not reimbursable.

  • Answer: Non-creditable foods may be served as extra or “other” foods only after the required foods are served. Do not serve as a “reward” for eating other foods.

  • Answer: Meals claimed for reimbursement must meet meal pattern requirements and the provider must supply at least one component to claim the meal. “Other” foods may be served, but not in place of required components. Birthday treats that do not meet any part of the required meal pattern should be served after the meal to help eliminate plate waste and provide examples of good eating habits that are desirable for children to develop.

  • Answer: Yes, water can be offered as a beverage if the snack contains the required two food groups. Throughout the day, including at meal times, water should be made available to children to drink upon their request.

  • Answer: Milk is important for children’s growth and development. You can count milk on the cereal if the correct amount is served.

  • Answer: Dessert items are not allowed as part of a reimbursable meal.

    Reimbursement for claims received in the office by the 2nd working day of the month will be mailed on the 1st working day of the following month or deposited to your account on the 2nd working day of the following month.

  • Answer: The meal pattern for infants states breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack, but that is only a guideline. Young babies may need to eat every 2 to 4 hours. Older babies may also need to eat more frequently than the specified times. When babies are hungry, feed them and record the meal that is close to your times on the FDCH Application.

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