Illustration of young children reading and learning together

Feeding Our Children

Nutrition

Every child in our care receives nutritious meals and snacks at no cost through the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). During the summer, the Sun Meals program provides free lunches to Boys and Girls Club and other summer camp members during the summer months across Jackson County. Healthy food is the foundation for healthy learning.

Free No Cost to Families

3 Meals Daily (CACFP)

Jackson Co. Sun Meals Coverage

Enroll Your Child Contact LaQuavia Evins

Our Programs

Two Programs, One Goal: Healthy Children

CASOMS provides nutrition through two programs that serve children year round and during the summer months.

CACFP

Child and Adult Care Food Program

The USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program provides nutritious meals and snacks to every child enrolled in Head Start, Early Head Start, and First Step Childcare. All meals are free to families.

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks served daily at all centers
Every meal provides one-third of daily nutritional requirements
No cost to enrolled families
Served at all 9 Head Start centers and First Step Childcare
Menus follow USDA dietary guidelines for young children

Sun Meals

Summer Lunch Program (SFSP)

The Sun Meals Summer Lunch Program provides free lunches to Boys and Girls Club and other summer camp members during the summer months across Jackson County.

Free lunches for Boys and Girls Club and other summer camp members
Coverage: Across Jackson County
Summer schedule only (dates announced each year)
No cost to participating families

How It Works

Who Qualifies and How to Get Started

Nutrition services are available automatically to children enrolled in our programs. No separate application is needed for meals.

What You Need to Know

CACFP meals are automatic. Every child enrolled in Head Start, Early Head Start, or First Step Childcare receives meals at no extra cost. No separate application required.
Sun Meals are open to Boys and Girls Club and other summer camp members. Children attending the Boys and Girls Club or other summer camps across Jackson County during the summer can receive free lunches.
Allergies and dietary needs are accommodated. Let your center staff know about any food allergies or special dietary requirements when you enroll.
USDA nondiscrimination applies. CASOMS complies fully with USDA nondiscrimination requirements in all nutrition programs.

Nutrition Program Contact

LaQuavia Evins

Nutrition Program Coordinator

levans@casoms.org (228) 769-3292

To receive CACFP meals, your child needs to be enrolled in one of our early childhood programs.

Enroll Your Child

Every Child Deserves a Healthy Meal

Enroll your child in Head Start or First Step Childcare and nutritious meals are included from day one. Questions about our nutrition programs? Reach out to LaQuavia Evins directly.

Enroll Your Child Back to Head Start

levans@casoms.org