Welcome To Nutrition & Health Resources

🌻Growing Healthy Families in Arizona for Over 30 Years

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Who we are?

Nutrition & Health Education Resources (NHER) is a not-for-profit agency that sponsors and administers the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) under the direction of the Arizona Department of Education.  This program promotes good eating habits in young children by offering nutrition education and cash reimbursement for meals and snacks to day care providers.

🌱Our Mission

At Nutrition & Health Education Resources, we believe every child deserves a healthy start. Our mission is to support child care providers with the tools and education they need to help children grow strong, happy, and healthy.

🍎 Who We Serve

We proudly partner with family childcare homes across Arizona, serving families with children from birth to age 13 and up to 18 if special needs. Together, we make sure children receive nutritious meals and snacks every day.

🌈Counties We Sponsor

We currently sponsor the following counties:

1.  Cochise

2.  Coconino

3.  Maricopa

4.  Navajo

5.  Pima

6.  Pinal

🤝 How We Help

NHER offers training, support, and easy-to-use resources to help providers plan healthy menus and meet USDA meal guidelines. We make participation simple so providers can focus on what matters most—caring for children.

🌟 Our Commitment

Since 1988, NHER has been dedicated to promoting wellness, supporting families, and building healthier communities throughout Arizona. We’re proud to continue helping children thrive for generations to come.

children-eating-healthy-at-a-Preschool-Daycare

Who Can Participate?


Day care homes who complete the Alternate Approval Certification Process through the NHER office.
Includes fire and health inspections, and fingerprinting
With a background check. CPR/First Aid certification is
Also required.
Group day care homes certified by the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS).
Day care homes certified by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES).

What Must I Do To Participate?


Serve nutritious meals and snacks that meet USDA requirements, much as you have already been doing.
Keep daily menus and attendance records and submit them to the NHER office each month.
Attend one nutrition workshop per year.
Allow an NHER representative to visit your day care home three times per year to observe meals and snacks.

What Dose NHER Offer the Provider?


Monthly cash reimbursement for meals and snacks served to day care children.
Direct deposit of your reimbursement funds if desired.
Monthly newsletters containing recipes, nutrition tips, and activities to do with the children.
Pre-planned menu program, to make serving nutritious easy.
Online recordkeeping and submission of your monthly menus and enrollment forms at no cost to you.
Menus on carbonless paper, allowing you to keep a copy for your records.
Provider Resource Manual, which explains CACFP requirements, and includes information on nutrition, meal planning, business record keeping and taxes.
Referral program to help keep your day care full.
Credit union membership and access to dental and liability insurance.
We can show you that it is always to your financial advantage to be on the CACFP.

Our Testimonials

"Nutrition and Health Education Resources helped me create a weekly menu that’s both kid-friendly and nutrient-rich. Parents appreciate the transparency, and I love seeing the kids enjoy real food."

Elena V., Flagstaff, AZ
FashionTop

"Running a small daycare means wearing many hats. This resource helped me simplify meal planning and meet state nutrition guidelines without stress. It’s been a game-changer for our small group home."

Robert M., Phoenix, AZ
Apple

"We’ve transformed our snack time thanks to Nutrition and Health Education Resources. The kids love the new options, and I feel confident knowing we’re supporting their growth with healthy choices."

Jasmine T., Flagstaff, AZ
Google

"As a daycare provider, I struggled to find reliable nutrition guidance. This program gave me the tools to plan balanced meals and educate families. Our kids are thriving—and parents are noticing!"

— Maria G., Phoenix, AZ
Microsoft

How To Get Started

Your Children, Family and Community Needs you!

Cost to Participate

There’s no fee to join the Child and Adult Care Food Program—it's funded by the USDA. If your daycare is going through the Alternate Approval process, you may pay local fees for inspections and fingerprinting. Call us for current rates.

Reimbursement Amounts

Most providers receive about $90/month per full-time child (Tier II). You may qualify for higher rates (Tier I) based on your location, household income, or the children you serve. Our staff will help determine your eligibility.

Ready to Begin?

Call us at 480-491-8171 (or 1-800-488-8171 outside Phoenix). We’ll answer your questions and schedule an introductory appointment to start the certification process.

Our contact details: