Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act aimed at enhancing nutritional meals for children. The bill proposes to increase the reimbursable meals provided by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to child care providers from two meals and one snack to three meals and one snack. It also seeks to adjust the reimbursement rate for child care homes, linking it more closely with inflation rates to address economic challenges.
The act is designed to support nearly 4.7 million children, including over 115,000 in Pennsylvania, by ensuring access to nutritious meals in child care settings. By extending meal services and updating reimbursement rates, the legislation aims to alleviate financial pressures on families and improve participation rates among child care providers.
The initiative also includes measures to streamline eligibility and reduce paperwork, further facilitating access to the program for child care centers. Senator Casey’s effort reflects a broader commitment to child nutrition, including securing $7.03 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and leading previous acts to enhance child care nutrition support. The bill has garnered the support of Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jack Reed (D-RI), along with endorsements from over 30 organizations.
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