One of the most impactful ways to bolster community health is by fostering sound eating habits in children from their earliest years. The Angels Child Care Food Program (Angels CCFP), a direct service initiative of Heluna Health, dedicates itself to enriching the child care experience. Its core mission revolves around supporting children’s holistic development—physical, social, and emotional—through comprehensive nutritional support. By collaborating closely with child care providers, Angels CCFP effectively shapes children’s health trajectories and dietary preferences right from the start.
Established in January 2001 under the leadership of Executive Director Jamie Ortega, the Angels Child Care Food Program embodies Jamie’s lifelong commitment to social service. Driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of nurturing and feeding children, Jamie chose to align with Heluna Health. Reflecting on this decision, Jamie shared, “I felt deeply that Heluna Health was the perfect fit, given their extensive network of organizations serving diverse communities across various sectors. I approached Heluna Health with a vision, and they were instrumental in bringing it to life and enabling me to serve.”
Child care providers who join the Angels Child Care Food Program benefit from customized nutritional training, equipping them with the knowledge to nourish the children in their care optimally. This includes detailed menu plans, practical food suggestions, and informative materials on essential food groups. Participating providers also receive reimbursements for the nutritious meals they serve to enrolled children. A cornerstone of Angels CCFP is its commitment to inclusivity: all children under its umbrella receive meals at no cost, irrespective of household income. This commitment creates profound and immeasurable value in these young lives. For some, the meals provided by Angels Child Care Food Program may be their only source of nourishment throughout the day.
“I value [Angels CCFP] because it educates my daycare children about balanced, healthy meals. In today’s fast-paced world, consistent nutritional education might be lacking at home. This program instills healthy habits early, offering long-term benefits. I’m proud to contribute to this!” – Angels Child Care Food Program Provider
Indeed, establishing healthy nutritional patterns is crucial for enduring well-being. Children who frequently consume unhealthy foods during their formative years face a heightened risk of developing preventable health issues later in life. Conversely, children who cultivate healthy eating habits early on are more likely to enjoy sustained health benefits.
Currently, the Angels Child Care Food Program supports over 580 child care providers and extends its reach to more than 5,500 children. This impactful work is sustained through generous funding and donations. However, Angels CCFP is eager to expand its services to assist even more providers and the children they care for. Presently, funding constraints limit the program’s growth potential. Increased financial support would amplify the Angels Child Care Food Program’s capacity to positively influence young children’s nutritional journeys. Individual contributions enable Angels CCFP to enhance educational resources and provide greater support to both child care providers and the children they nourish. You can contribute to the Angels Child Care Food Program through Heluna Health’s donation portal. Every donation, regardless of size, plays a vital role in ensuring children in child care settings receive a healthy foundation for life.
