The Child Care Food Program was established in 1968 in response to the need to provide adequate nutrition to a growing number of children in day care. In 1988, eligible adults were included in the program which is now referred to as the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Good nutrition, the development of desirable eating habits and learning about food choices are vital building blocks for young children. Provisions must be made to ensure that these building blocks are in place in order to promote good health throughout life.

The goal of the Child and Adult Care Food Program is to see that well balanced meals are served and that good eating habits are taught in child care settings. The CACFP provides nutritious meals and snacks served to eligible children in child care centers, family day care homes, and outside-school-hours centers, as well as to eligible adults in adult care centers.