USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

Program Overview

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded assistance program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It provides nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults who receive care at approved child care centers, family day care homes, afterschool programs, and adult daycare facilities. By supporting the provision of balanced meals, CACFP helps improve dietary quality, encourage healthy eating habits, and support the overall health and development of participants.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility is determined by the type of care setting and the population served. The main categories include:

• Child Care Centers Licensed or registered facilities that serve children 18 months to 12 years of age.
• Family Day Care Homes Licensed or registered homes that provide care for a small number of children.
• AfterSchool Programs Programs that serve schoolaged children during noninstructional hours.
• Adult DayCare Centers Facilities serving lowincome seniors or adults with disabilities.

Participants must be from lowincome families or meet other qualifying criteria, such as receiving SNAP benefits, qualifying for free or reducedprice school meals, or being enrolled in certain incomebased assistance programs. Some programs also allow mixedincome participation, where a portion of the meals served to eligible children are reimbursed while noneligible children are served at full cost.

Reimbursement Structure

Reimbursements are paid to participating sites based on the number and type of meals served. The USDA updates rates annually to reflect inflation and market conditions. Rates differ for:

• Breakfast
• Lunch and Dinner
• Snacks
• Meals served to adults

Reimbursements are calculated using a permeal system. For example, a breakfast served to an eligible child might be reimbursed at $2.15, while a lunch could be $3.45. Sites must maintain accurate records of attendance, meal counts, and meetingtime documentation to receive payment.

Meal Patterns and Nutritional Standards

All meals and snacks must meet USDAs nutrition guidelines, which are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the MyPlate model. Key components include:

• Fruits at least half of the fruit servings must be fresh, canned, or frozen without added sugars.
• Vegetables a variety of subgroups (dark green, orange, legumes, starchy, and other) must be offered over the week.
• Whole Grains at least 50% of grains served must be whole grain-rich.
• Protein lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, nuts, and soy products.
• LowFat Dairy milk, yogurt, and cheese with 2% fat for children and 3.5% for adults.

Portion sizes vary by age group. For example, a 3yearold receives a smaller portion of fruit and milk than a 10yearold. The USDA provides detailed charts to guide providers.

Benefits of Participation

Participating in CACFP offers multiple advantages:

• Improved nutrition Children and adults receive balanced meals that support growth, learning, and health.
• Financial support Reimbursements offset food costs, allowing providers to allocate resources elsewhere.
• Program credibility CACFP certification is recognized as a mark of quality, attracting families and funding.
• Professional development USDA offers training, resources, and technical assistance to help providers meet standards.

How to Enroll in CACFP

1. Determine eligibility Review the categories above and confirm that your site meets state licensing or registration requirements.
2. Contact your State Agency Each state has a designated CACFP sponsor (often a Department of Education or Health). Visit USDAs CACFP page for contact information.
3. Complete the application Submit the enrollment form, proof of licensing, and a menu plan that demonstrates compliance with meal patterns.
4. Attend training Most states require at least one initial training session covering recordkeeping, nutrition standards, and reimbursement procedures.
5. Begin serving meals Once approved, you can start submitting claims for reimbursement. Use the states electronic claim system or paper forms as directed.

Helpful Resources

• USDA CACFP Official Site Comprehensive program information, updates, and downloadable guides.
• Technical Assistance Materials Tip sheets, webinars, and sample menus.
• Frequently Asked Questions Answers to common provider questions.
• State Contact List Direct lines to your states sponsoring agency.