The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) stands as a critical initiative within the United States, dedicated to ensuring that nutritious meals and snacks are accessible to children and adults in various care settings. But is the Child and Adult Care Food Program a federal program? The answer is a resounding yes. Funded federally by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), CACFP plays a vital role in supporting institutions that provide care. In states like Massachusetts, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA DESE) takes on the administrative responsibilities, ensuring the program’s effective implementation at the local level. Participating organizations receive supplemental reimbursement to aid in the provision of these crucial nutritious foods, which must adhere to stringent federal guidelines and be offered to participants without any separate charges.
Who Can Participate in the CACFP? A Range of Institutions
The CACFP extends its reach across a diverse array of institutions, each playing a unique role in community care. These include:
Child Care Centers: This category encompasses licensed or approved non-residential child care centers, whether public or private non-profit, alongside Head Start centers, settlement houses, and neighborhood centers. Notably, for-profit child care centers are also eligible to participate if they meet specific criteria focused on serving children from low-income backgrounds.
Family Day Care Homes: These homes, providing care in a licensed or approved private residence for smaller groups of children, are integral to the CACFP network. Family or group day care homes operate under the guidance of sponsoring organizations, which ensure adherence to both Federal and State regulations and manage the monthly food reimbursement claims.
“At-Risk” After School Care Programs: Community-based programs offering enriching activities for children and teenagers up to 18 years of age after school hours are also key participants. To qualify, these programs must be located in areas where school data indicates that at least 50% of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, highlighting the program’s focus on reaching vulnerable populations.
Emergency Shelters: Providing essential residential and food services to children experiencing homelessness, emergency shelters can receive reimbursement for serving up to three meals daily to homeless children up to age 18 residing in their facilities. This support is crucial for ensuring food security for children in crisis situations.
Adult Day Health Care Centers: Licensed day health care centers catering to seniors (aged 60 and older) or functionally impaired adults are eligible for reimbursements through the adult component of the CACFP. Similar to child care centers, for-profit agencies in this sector can also participate if they meet particular criteria related to serving low-income individuals, broadening the program’s impact to older adults in need.
Understanding Meal Reimbursements Through CACFP
The reimbursement structure of the CACFP is designed to support a wide range of participants based on need. Approved institutions are reimbursed for the meals and snacks they serve to eligible individuals at rates categorized as free, reduced, or paid. The determination of the reimbursement rate hinges on either the household income of the participants or the geographical location of the program, particularly for at-risk afterschool programs and family day care providers. For programs considering household income for eligibility, it’s essential to consult the current Income Eligibility Guidelines to ensure the use of the most up-to-date data. It is important to note that family day care homes’ reimbursements are managed and processed through their sponsoring organizations, streamlining the administrative process.
For detailed information on the specific reimbursement rates associated with each meal type within the program, the USDA notice provides comprehensive details.
Organizations seeking further information or wishing to engage with the CACFP are encouraged to reach out to the Special Nutrition Programs Team, who can provide guidance and support through the application and participation process.
Last Updated: February 13, 2025
