News Release

October 6, 2000

Free child care food program in 21st year at county education office

Licensed Family Day Care Providers can receive reimbursement for nutritious meals served to children in their care, and the meals are free to participating families through a program beginning its 21st year.

The Child and Adult Care Food Program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) begins in October its 21st year of sponsorship by the Santa Barbara County Education Office, William J. Cirone, Superintendent.

"The program is designed to assist family child care providers and parents in delivering high quality nutrition to all children in child care in Santa Barbara County," said County Superintendent of Schools Bill Cirone, whose office coordinates the program.

Through participating family child care homes, all enrolled children will be offered the same meals at no charge, with no physical segregation of, or other discrimination against, any child because of race, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, religion, handicap, or political beliefs.

Further information is available from the Santa Barbara County Education Office, Child Development Programs, at 964-4711, ext. 4409.