Government-Funded Program Lets Some Lake Elsinore And Wildomar Kids, Families Eat For Free

Hungry kids are handicapped when it comes to learning, educators say. So free meals are being made available to low-income kids and their families -- including in Lake Elsinore and Wildomar -- through a government-funded program.

On Friday, the state superintendent of public instruction announced newly updated lists of daycare centers offering low-cost or free meals for children and their low-income families.

The Child and Adult Care Food Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides nutritious food to infants, children and adults. Under the program, all children enrolled in daycare homes get meals at no charge.

Most daycare facilities taking part also provide meals at reduced costs or no charge to qualified families whose children are enrolled. (See attached PDF chart to check out qualifications.) 

Thousands of California daycare centers take part in the CACFP, and several locations offer the program in Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, according to the Child and Adult Care Food Program Day Care Home Sponsors. Click here for the 2012-13 CACFP Center Sites.

“Too many disadvantaged families are still struggling with the most basic need of all—providing nutritious meals for children,” said Tom Torlakson, the state schools chief. “I hope these updated lists help direct families to these critical resources.”

As part of Torlakson’s Team California for Health Kids initiative, he encourages students to be physically active, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and drink more water.

Studies show these factors can lead to better academic achievement in students, the state said.

In a news release, the Torlakson's office also said:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s most recent income eligibility scales are adjusted for inflation and are higher than the previous year. For example, a family of four that earns no more than $29,965 a year (up from $29,055 last year) can qualify for free meals and snacks. Also, a family of four that earns no more than $42,643 a year (up from $41,348 last year) can qualify for reduced-price meals and snacks. The Income Eligibility Scales for free and reduced-price meals and snacks are attached.

Children who receive California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), CalFresh (formerly Food Stamps), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program (Kin-GAP), Head Start, Early Head Start, or the Even Start Program are automatically eligible for free meal benefits under CACFP.

Adults who receive CalFresh, FDPIR, Social Security Income, or Medicaid benefits are also eligible for free meals under CACFP. Institutions serve meals to all participants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

For more information, see the CACFP Day Care Home Sponsors list and the 2012–13 CACFP Center Sites list.