It’s easier for eligible families to benefit from nutrition and health services when programs and agencies coordinate. Explore this page to find resources to strengthen local, state, and regional coordination between:
- Head Start
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
- Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
- Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
These efforts are encouraged through a federal memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the HHS Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Head Start (OHS) and Office of Child Care (OCC), and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs (SNAS) and Child Nutrition Programs (CNP).
To support your work, federal partners regularly host webinars and share resources and ideas on topics including:
- Creating MOUs for information and data sharing, referrals, and cross-training
- Collaborating on nutrition and health education and services, including screenings and community education
- Co-location of WIC Services at Head Start or Child Care Centers and initiatives through WIC Special Project Grants
Enhancing Participant-Centered Services Between the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Head Start Programs
In this tip sheet, discover strategies and resources to support state and local program partnerships between Head Start and local Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs.
Coordinating Nutrition Services Across Programs: Partnerships with Head Start, WIC, CCDF, and CACFP
This webinar introduces the federal MOU for coordinating local, state, and regional nutrition and health services to eligible children and families.
WIC and Head Start: Better Together
Learn about the early stages of Connecticut's WIC and Head Start collaboration to improve coordination of services, as well as the lessons learned.
WIC and Head Start Providing Increased Access to Health and Nutrition Services
Find out how a Mississippi Head Start program and WIC increased services to children and families eligible for both programs by partnering for on-site nutrition services.
WIC Breastfeeding Support
Partner with WIC to create an environment that encourages breastfeeding. Explore supportive multimedia materials, including flyers and posters, you can display in your program or share with parents.
Partnering with Head Start to Support Healthy Nutrition in Young Children
Discover how Head Start programs support child development with healthy nutrition. Explore opportunities to strengthen related community partnerships.
Last Updated: May 18, 2023