Four Reasons Why It Pays To Be On The Child Care Food Program

Fact #1 The program means better nutrition for healthy bodies and growing minds.
By reimbursing food costs, the program lets you buy higher-quality food while charging competitive rates. Program meals meet nutritional standards boosting dietary iron and foods high in vitamins A and C - and help set healthy eating habits that last a lifetime. A recent national childcare study reports that participation in the Child Care Food Program is a primary indicator of top-quality child care - with over 87% of the highest-rated family child care homes in that study participating in the food program.

Fact #2 When you join the program, you have access to a full range of nutrition education services.
Nutrition information, training and support - all these can help keep food costs down and assure higher quality meals. Nutrition education will also benefit your own family.

Fact #3 The two-tier reimbursement system assures you of significant benefits at the bottom line.
Whether you are tier 1 or tier 2, you always benefit from joining the Child Care Food Program.

Fact #4 Both lower and higher-income child care providers can boost their cash flow by participating.
Here's a chart comparing the cash benefits of joining the Child Care Food Program (CCFP). Refer to the 1997 Family Child Care Tax Workbook (Redleaf Press 800-423-8309) for details:

Tier 1 Tier 2 Not in CCFP
Parent Fees (4 children) $22,000 $22,000 $22,000
CCFP Reimbursement +3,100 +1,500 0
Total income 25,100 23,500 22,00
Business Expenses -10,000 -10,000 -10,000
Food Expenses -3,000 -3,000 -3,000
Profit 12,100 10,500 9,000
Federal taxes and SS -4,840 -4,200 -3,600
Cash on hand at year end $7,260 $6,300 $5,400


What about paperwork cost? Well, if you're a typical provider caring for four children and spending three hours a week on program administration, you will earn between $9 - $20 for every hour you spend. A good return!