Colorado is focusing on eating its fruits and vegetables

DENVER (KDVR) — This week the Child and Adult Care Food Program took to Grand Junction to help train child and adult care providers in the ways of nutritious eating. The program administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment gives caretakers and the community around them the opportunity to learn about, implement and gain access to a healthy food regimen.

One of the goals of the program was to expand its efforts in providing hands-on, in-person training to areas outside of the Denver Metro and Grand Junction. In 2023 the Child and Adult Care Food Program helped deliver 15.8 million meals and snacks to Coloradan children, youth, and older adults. After their ramped-up efforts to visit more locations including Fort Morgan, Colorado Springs, and Alamosa, the program reports they have reached 60% more participants across the state.

“Our team is focused on ensuring that providers feel supported so they can comply with program requirements and maximize their reimbursements,” said Naomi Steenson, Colorado Child and Adult Care Food Program director. “We’re excited to have been able to offer live, in-person training to more communities in Colorado this year. It’s also been a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the program and encourage more people to get involved.”

The Child and Adult Care Food Program reimburses participating parties for serving nutritious food. Some of those participating include:

• Child care centers
• Family childcare homes
• Afterschool programs
• Head Start programs
• Outside school hours programs
• Adult daycare centers
• Emergency and homeless shelters

The program places an emphasis on training participants so they can successfully administer the program by diversifying food offerings, optimizing menu planning, and preparing for routine compliance visits. Virtual training is also available while the Child and Adult Care Food Program establishes more in-person training programs in the future.

“Our partnership with the Child and Adult Care Food Program ensures that our organization is able to consistently provide nutritious meals and snacks to the children in our program,” said Cynthia Guth, Health and Nutrition Specialist for Centro de la Familia. “Families are grateful for the meals the children receive in our care, and together we are making an impact by giving our youth a head start on a healthy lifestyle.”

The meals follow the United States Department of Agriculture standards and offer a variety of healthy food options that allow participants to have a diverse selection at every meal.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.