Our Mission:
To collaborate with early care centers and home care providers committed to best practices in infant and young child nutrition while uplifting the significance of achieving Breastfeeding Friendly Recognition in Virginia.
How Breastfeeding Benefits a Child Care Center:
- Breastfeeding Friendly Recognition and the CACFP are quality child care indicators
- Breastmilk or breastfeeding on site can be claimed as a reimbursable meal and snack.
- Supports families’ commitment to breastfeeding and their child’s healthy start.
- Breastmilk protects babies from infections and illnesses; creating a healthier child care environment.
- Demonstrates your program’s commitment to best practices in infant nutrition.
- Educates teachers and families about the benefits of breastfeeding for infants and young children.
Supports families → Increases enrollment → More meals claimed → Healthier community
How the CACFP reimburses for breastfeeding:
- Breast milk is creditable as the fluid milk component of a meal or snack for children at any age.
- Meals are reimbursable when the minimum amount of breastmilk and/or infant formula are served.
- Infants 6 through 11 months, center must provide the rest of the meal components for a creditable meal.
- Have a staff member breastfeeding? Meal is reimbursable on or off “the clock.”
Breastfeeding Friendly Early Care Recognition, Standards to Apply:
- Environmental 3. Infant Feeding 5. Breastfeeding Policy
- Family Support 4. Professional Development
How to Apply
- Visit Child Care Aware: for the online or mail-in application and best practice standards.
Your program may already meet requirements!
- Access FREE Resources for breastfeeding policies and practices: training materials, example policies, parent handouts, and more.
Complete an Application either on-line or paper mail-in.
Questions? Email us at: CACFP@VDH.Virginia.Gov