Child and Adult Care Food Program

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered in New Jersey through the Department of Agriculture.

It helps child care centers, preschools, and after-school programs serve healthy meals and snacks to children every day. The program reimburses schools for the cost of meals, making it possible to provide balanced options that meet strict nutrition standards.

At Play and Learn, CACFP funding allows us to serve breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack daily. Meals always include a variety of food groups—such as milk, grains, proteins, fruits, and vegetables—so children receive the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and stay healthy. A monthly menu is also provided to parents so families know what meals will be offered each day.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the responsible state or local agency or USDA through relay services. To file a program discrimination complaint, the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD‑3027) may be requested online, by phone (866‑632‑9992), or by mail. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded initiative managed in New Jersey by the NJ Department of Health. It provides vital nutrition assistance—such as nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and community referrals—to:

• Pregnant women
• Postpartum women (up to six months postpartum non‑breastfeeding, up to one year breastfeeding)
• Infants and children under age five

Who Is Eligible?

• To qualify for WIC in New Jersey, you must meet all of the following:
• Category-based eligibility: Be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or part of a household with children under five.
• NJ residency: Provide proof of living in New Jersey (e.g., utility bill, lease, NJ ID) 
• Income guidelines: Household income must fall within WIC limits (up to about 185% of the federal poverty level) 
• Nutritional risk: Must have a medical or dietary need as determined by a health professional  

How to Apply & Use Benefits

• Apply via: Local WIC clinic or online through the NJ WIC Participant Portal  
• What to bring: Proof of identity, residency, income; health or pregnancy documentation; child immunizations; Universal Child Health Record (UHCR)  
• eWIC Card: Eligible participants receive an eWIC electronic benefit card preloaded with monthly food benefits
• You can shop at WIC-authorized stores using the eWIC card and check your balance via the WICShopper app or at the checkout

What’s Included in WIC Benefits?

• Eligible families receive a tailored monthly food package based on nutritional needs. This includes items like:
• Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)

Jersey City WIC Office

City of Jersey City
Department of Health & Human Services
City Hall Annex, 1 Jackson Square
Jersey City, NJ 07305

Phone: (201) 547-6842

Email: wichelp@jcnj.org