Morris L. Lichtenstein, Jr. Center for Early Learning announces sponsorship of Child and Adult Care Food Program

Article by: Melinda Eddleman

Through its child care program at the Morris L. Lichtenstein, Jr. Center for Early Learning (CEL), Del Mar College announces sponsorship of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). All children, regardless of income and who are enrolled in the CEL, receive free meals as part of child care services offered by the facility.

Parents are required to complete the CACFP application so the facility may seek reimbursement for the food program from the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division.

Food program applications, a letter to parents or guardians and an application for the College’s child care program are available by contacting the Center by mail: Del Mar College, Center for Early Learning, 101 Baldwin Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78404. Individuals may also call 361-698-1083.

Copies of the operating policies of the CACFP are available at the CEL for public viewing between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The Center is located on the DMC East Campus at the corner of Staples Street and Baldwin Blvd.

youth eating healthy foods at classroom lunch table

Regardless of income level, children enrolled at Del Mar College's Morris L. Lichtenstein, Jr. Center for Early Learning, receive free meals as part of child care services at the facility. For more information, call the Center at 361-698-1083. (Credit: contributed photo)

DMC Morris L. Lichtenstein Jr. Center for Early Learning 2

The DMC Morris L. Lichtenstein Jr. Center for Early Learning is located on the East Campus at Staples and Baldwin. To learn more about services provided by the facility, call 361-698-1083. (Credit: Del Mar College Office of College Relations)

fresh spaghetti ingredients including pasta, tomatoes, garlic and greens

Center for Early Learning staff use fresh ingredients to prepare meals for youth enrolled for child care services. The program participates with the Child and Adult Care Food Program. For more information, call the Center at 361-698-1083. (Credit: contributed photo)

Households must provide the following information on the application:

• all household members’ names,

• the last 4 numbers of the Social Security number for the head of the household (or otherresponsible adult),

• all household members’ incomes by source or household SNAP or TANF case number,if appropriate, and

• signature of an adult household member certifying that the information is correct.

Information provided on the applications will be used to determine eligibility and may be verified anytime during the contract year by CEL staff or other public officials. Applications may be submitted anytime during the year to the Center for Early Learning.

Enrollment in Del Mar College’s child care program is limited to available space. Preference is given to families with a parent or guardian who is a student or employee at the College. The Center director will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling may discuss the decision with the director. They may also request a formal appeal in writing by contacting: Chair, Human Sciences and Education Department, Del Mar College, 101 Baldwin Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78404.

Households must report income increases or decreases of over $50 per month or $600 per year and increases and decreases in household size. If a household member becomes unemployed, the household should contact the Center. SNAP/TANF households must report termination of benefits.

The information that households provide is confidential and will be used only to determine eligibility and verify data.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

About Del Mar College

Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.