Mom and grandma

were right after all

Article from SFCS' Fall "Children's Corner" Newsletter 

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our Child Care Food Program (CCFP).

Already a member of our Child Care Food Program?  Click Here

About the Program: The Child Care Food Program (CCFP) is a federally funded program that assists licensed day care providers and trustline certified providers with the high cost of feeding children. We reimburse you for serving nutritious meals to your day care children. Think of it as a gift card to your local grocery store!! Solano Family and Children’s Services is a sponsor for the CCFP in Solano, Yolo, and Napa Counties.

 The Purpose of the Program: The primary purpose of the program is to provide nutritious meals and snacks to children who are in a day care home setting. Children who are introduced to good nutrition at an early age have proven to do better in school and go on to become healthier adults.

Who is Eligible: The CCFP is available to all children from infant through 12 years of age. All children qualify for participation in the program REGARDLESS of family income.

The Benefits of Participating: Providers enrolled in the CCFP receive a monthly reimbursement check for providing nutritious meals and snacks to children in their care. The check is based on a flat rate for each meal or snack served. Providers may claim reimbursement for two main meals and one snack per child per day, or two snacks and one main meal per child per day.

What Types of Food Must Be Served: Meals and snacks served must meet the USDA requirements. This simply means you must serve foods from the four basic food groups: milk, proteins, bread and fruits/vegetables. The amount you serve depends on the age of children you watch. The training information details the requirements.

How Do I Participate: Participation can begin as soon as you have at least one child in your care. We will schedule an enrollment visit to your home, and supply you with the training needed to participate. Providers participating on our Child Care Food Program have the choice of using a scantron form to track their menus and attendance, or using the minute menu  website that allows you to track and submit your menus and attendance online. Both styles will submit their claims monthly (by mailing or dropping off the scantron forms, or electronically submitting the online forms).

Please give us a call today at (707) 863-3950.

A little baby fat is typically a sign of a healthy baby.

Amidst the nation’s obesity epidemic and prevailing “thin is in” culture however, parents are questioning the ideal.  They worry their round babies will become overweight adults, but the fear is mostly unfounded.

Obesity is typically caused by poor nutrition and lack of exercise, factors that have not had time to affect an infant.

In fact, before age 3 years old, parents would get a better picture of their child’s future health by examining their own waistlines rather than evaluating their infant or toddler’s position on a growth chart.

A record study found a small but growing number of babies who are too large.  This was attributed to the mother’s health and prenatal care.  There are early signs to watch for in infants however, to determine if weight is a problem.  Watch for a sustained growth spurt before age 4 years, where weight increases more than height, or signs that a child’s weight interferes with developmental milestones such as walking.

The best ways to prevent infants from growing up to become obese adults are to:

Θ Breastfeed.  Studies suggest the longer an infant is breastfed, the lower the risk.  (One year recommended.)

Θ Limit television.  (It is recommended that children under 2 years old watch no TV.)

Θ Avoid feeding infants junk foods such as sugary drinks and French fries.

Θ Set a good example.  The family should model healthy eating and exercise.

Infants naturally get enough exercise by learning to lift their heads, sit up, crawl, walk, etc.  Toddlers may need some active play structured into their day to get sufficient exercise.  No infant or child should be placed on a diet without a physician’s recommendation and supervision.

Overall physicians recommend that parents avoid comparing one infant with another.  All babies are different and grow and develop at different rates.

Association for Child Development 

For more information about healthy eating please visit:

www.healthyeatingresearch.org