These are examples of what could be funded, but please do not limit yourselves to these things.   It also does not guarantee you will receive the grant but we wanted to provide examples of things you could do.  The 2016 CACFP Mini-Grant is Now Closed.

Based on C.H.O.I.C.E. Self Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)

After taking the questionnaire (either online or after you print it out), determine the best practices you would like to implement in your program.  Depending on these best practices, you choose to implement or improve upon, you may need to invest some money.  Some examples might include (but are not limited to - and don't guarentee you will receive the grant):
  • Menu planning system
  • My Plate portion plates
  • Measuring bowls to help with serving sizes
  • Child size serving utensils
  • Tables and chairs that encourage self serving and provider interaction
  • Kitchen tools to more efficiently prepare and serve healthy foods for young children
  • Items needed to support special needs service and inclusion
  • Diversity 
  • Water station
  • Join local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) or other fruit and veggie basket program and incorporate into menu and child learning
  • Training for self and staff to be physically active with the children
  • Breastfeeding environment
  • Improving an outdoor playspace
  • Purchasing music/activities to encourage movement
  • Purchasing developmentally appropriate toys/equipment
  • Training for nutrition/cooking/physical activity
  • Providing-creating materials for parents
This Self-Assessment Questionnaire from Contra Costa Child Care Council comes with a booklet to help you write best practices and polices based on your results! Easy and self-guided.

Breastfeeding Environment

 Some examples for what you could purchase might include (but are not limited to - and don't guarantee you will receive the grant):
  • Comfortable chair
  • Small table
  • Waste basket
  • Small refrigerator
  • Towel dispenser
  • Pillows
  • Blanket
  • Foot stool
  • Wall clock
  • Mirror
  • Radio/cassette/CD player
  • Art for wall
  • Lending library of breastfeeding resources
  • Sink with running water
  • Install an electrical outlet (if not present)
  • Toiletries/personal hygiene
Breastfeeding in child care resources: Time, Space and Support for Breastfeeding Mamas (scroll to the bottom)

Outside and Movement Playspace

  • Shade structure or overhang
  • Outdoor sink
  • Physical activity curriculum - such as Spark 
  • Loose items to encourage physical activity or outdoor learning classroom
  • Gardening/Farm to Table materials
  • Get certified as a Nature Explorers outdoor classroom

If it improves health and wellness in your setting and matches our objectives, apply for the grant.