What is Required of Daycares for Meal and Snack Times for Kids?

For many Texas families, sending a child to daycare is part of the daily routine. Parents trust these facilities to not only keep their kids safe but also to meet their basic needs, including food and nutrition. But what exactly are daycares in Texas required to do when it comes to feeding children?

Understanding the state’s minimum standards for meal times can help parents stay informed, spot potential red flags, and ensure their child is receiving proper care.

Texas Daycare Meal Requirements: What the Law Says

Texas daycares are regulated by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), which has laid out specific guidelines around food and nutrition for children. These requirements are in place to promote healthy development and prevent neglect. There are nine core rules every licensed childcare provider must follow:

1. Regular Meals and Snacks Are a Must
   Daycares must serve children their scheduled meals and snacks throughout the day. Skipping a meal isn’t just poor practice—it violates state regulations.
2. Meals Must Follow USDA Guidelines
   The food served must meet the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) standards. This ensures that kids receive balanced meals with appropriate portions of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein.
3. No More Than 3 Hours Without Food
   Children should never go more than three hours without being offered food unless they are sleeping. That means a snack or meal should be consistently available throughout the day.
4. Second Helpings from Key Food Groups
   There should always be enough food for children to have a second helping of items from the fruit, vegetable, grain, and milk groups. This ensures kids aren’t left hungry if they’re still growing or have a big appetite that day.
5. Clean Drinking Water Must Be Accessible
   Drinking water should always be clean, safe, and readily available to kids at all times.
6. Sugary Drinks Should Be Limited
   Drinks with added sugars, like soda and juice, should not be given to children unless it’s for a special occasion such as a birthday celebration or holiday party.
7. Food Should Never Be Used as a Reward or Punishment
   Withholding food or using it to manipulate behavior is inappropriate and against Texas daycare regulations.
8. Allergy Safety Must Be a Priority
   Children with food allergies must never be served something they are allergic to. Each facility is required to follow a written allergy emergency plan specific to that child.
9. No Child Should Be Forced to Eat
   Children must be offered food, but never forced to eat it. Pressuring a child to eat can create unhealthy relationships with food and lead to long-term issues.

Why These Standards Matter

These guidelines are more than technical requirements—they are designed to protect your child’s health, development, and emotional well-being. When daycares fail to meet these standards, children can be undernourished, dehydrated, or even exposed to dangerous allergens.

If you’ve noticed your child consistently coming home hungry, unusually thirsty, or showing other signs of neglect, it’s time to take a closer look. In some cases, poor food practices could be a warning sign of larger issues within the facility, including neglect or abuse.

Questions About Daycare Feeding Practices? We’re Here to Help.

At The Button Law Firm, we help families across Texas hold daycares accountable when they fail to provide proper care. We're here to listen and provide support if you have concerns about how your child’s daycare handles meals.

We also offer a free resource for parents: 10 Tips for Finding a Safe Daycare. This guide outlines what to look for when choosing a facility, including questions to ask about food safety and nutrition practices.

Don't hesitate to reach out if you’re looking for answers or feel something’s wrong with your child’s daycare. Our team is experienced in helping families navigate these difficult situations and ensuring that childcare providers meet the standards kids deserve. Call us at 214-699-4409, email us at [email protected], or fill out a contact form for a free case evaluation.