In celebration of CACFP week March 15–21, The Planning Council is taking the opportunity to recognize and thank the dedicated providers and centers who make CACFP possible.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) brings healthy foods to tables across the country for children in childcare centers, homes, and afterschool programs as well as adults in day care.
CACFP Week is a national education and information campaign designed to raise awareness of how the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program works to combat hunger.
To celebrate the impact of the work of the providers and centers, The Planning Council will be highlighting one of our participating family childcare homes or center sites each quarter through our CACFP Provider Spotlight.
We are proud to kick off our first spotlight by featuring Ms. Renita Hill, owner of Angels Arena Child Care in Washington, DC. for her dedication and the important work she does for the children and families she serves.
Since joining the CACFP in 2012, Ms. Hill has remained committed to supporting the health and well-being of the children in her care. She consistently submits her claims and maintains successful program reviews while meeting all USDA regulations, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to quality childcare and nutritious meals.
Ms. Hill became a childcare provider in 2007 after leaving a 28-year career with a credit union. The transition was inspired by a conversation with her tax consultant, who suggested she consider opening a daycare. The consultant observed how naturally children gravitated toward her.
Ms. Hill added, “Caring for children has always been a natural calling for me. Opening my family childcare home allowed me to turn that calling into a purpose-driven profession where I could nurture, guide, and positively influence young lives every day.”
She learned about the Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) through multiple avenues, including a phone call from The Planning Council and information shared during meetings hosted by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
Since she has been participating in CACFP, she has worked closely with Fernanda Brito, her field monitor with The Planning Council. Ms. Brito’s guidance and support have been instrumental in strengthening her nutrition program.
Ms. Hill explained, “CACFP benefits the children and families I serve by ensuring that I consistently follow policies and procedures that promote safe, nutritious, and developmentally appropriate meals. The program provides ongoing education about healthy food options, proper portion sizes, and important food recalls.”
In addition, TPC’s field monitors offer professional recommendations and communication strategies that help effectively share healthy eating habits with parents. This partnership strengthens the connection between home and childcare, reinforcing positive nutrition practices for children and families alike.
Ms. Hill is motivated by seeing the children apply what they learn about nutrition in meaningful and confident ways.
For example, her students can identify food groups while eating and make healthy food requests. One child, Michaela, sits her dolls around her dramatic play table and teaches them why it is important to eat more vegetables and fruits than French fries and pizza. Micheala even told her parents to stop giving her so much juice because it contains too much sugar. Her parents once sent Ms. Hill a recording and asked, “Where do you think Michaela gets this from?” All Renita could do was laugh and say, “Good girl — you were paying attention!”
Also, the dramatic play area at the childcare center includes a fully stocked grocery store featuring vegetables, fruits, dairy, proteins, and grains.
The children also take supervised trips to a real grocery store with a prepared list of items from each food group. They purchase fresh produce such as corn on the cob and green beans, and they conduct outdoor learning sessions where they shuck corn and snap green beans. They even have their own child-sized cooking utensils, aprons, and caps, making nutritional education interactive and fun.
Ms. Hill shared, “Promoting healthy eating has always been a passion of mine. I was honored to be one of the winners of the first childhood obesity prevention contests hosted by Michelle Obama, focused on fighting obesity in childcare settings.”
Seeing children confidently advocate for healthy choices — both in her program and at home — continues to inspire and affirm the importance of participating in CACFP.
The Planning Council deeply appreciates Ms. Hill’s dedication to supporting healthy meals and quality care for children in her community and the positive impact she has had on their lives.
About The Planning Council
For 85 years, The Planning Council (TPC) has been improving quality of life and building stronger communities. Its mission is to identify community needs and connect people with solutions, improving the lives of children and families and working for the betterment of the most vulnerable populations. Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia and serving MD, DC, and Southeastern VA, The Planning Council is governed by a 20-person volunteer Board of Directors. It operates a $14 million annual budget with 35 dedicated and talented team members.