Imagine a program that wraps its arms around our most vulnerable community members so no child or adult goes hungry. The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is an initiative that transforms nutrition from a basic need into a powerful tool for wellness and connection. How can you benefit from this program?
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federal program authorized under the National School Lunch Act that reimburses costs for healthy meals and snacks provided to eligible children and adults. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers CACFP through grants to states to support individuals enrolled in participating childcare centers, family day care homes, and adult day care facilities.
Additionally, CACFP offers reimbursements for meals served to children in afterschool care programs, residents of emergency shelters, adults aged 60 and older, or those with disabilities attending adult day care. By promoting access to nutritious food, CACFP fosters the overall health, growth, and development of children and adults across the United States.
Participating in CACFP isn't just about serving healthy meals but about creating nurturing environments supporting growth and development. Both nonprofit and for-profit childcare centers can join the program by meeting specific nutrition and meal pattern requirements.
If you operate a program providing care and meals for children, you might qualify to join the CACFP and receive meal reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks. Eligible organizations include public or private nonprofit child care centers, afterschool care programs, Head Start centers, and other licensed or approved institutions providing daycare services. Programs can participate independently or under sponsorship.
If you operate a program offering nonresidential care for adults, you could qualify to participate in the CACFP and receive reimbursements for providing nutritious meals and snacks to adults. Eligible participants include public or private nonprofit adult day care facilities that deliver structured, comprehensive services to nonresidential adults who are functionally impaired or aged 60 and older. Programs can join as independent or sponsored centers.
Reimbursement rates and USDA food donations are adjusted annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index, ensuring financial support aligns with economic conditions.
Potential participants must provide proof of licensing, nonprofit status, and demographic information. They must demonstrate they are a licensed daycare service. For-profit centers must show that they serve at least 25% of children who receive federal benefits or qualify for free, reduced-price meals.
Family daycare homes establish an agreement with a sponsoring organization to participate. The application typically involves:
Each state has slightly different requirements. Program operators interested in participating should contact their state agency—the Department of Education or Agriculture—to initiate the process.
Food and nutrition service delivers knowledge. Training opportunities, resources, and support systems help care providers create the most nurturing environments possible within family childcare settings.
Parties improve services by leveraging community support and federal funds. From understanding food recall alerts to implementing best practices, the Child and Adult Care Food Program equips parties with the tools they need to succeed.
Nutritional guidelines transform meal times from simple eating experiences into optimal health and development opportunities. The CACFP realizes different age groups and care settings require unique dietary considerations and adjusts diets according to need.
The CACFP outlines specific breakfast meal guidelines to ensure that children and adults receive nutritious meals. A compliant breakfast must include three components: fluid milk, vegetables or fruits (or both), and grains. Portion sizes vary by age group, with specific requirements for each category.
These standards are designed to promote balanced nutrition across different age groups.
Lunch and dinner meals must include five components: fluid milk, meat or meat alternates, vegetables, fruits, and grains. Portion sizes are tailored to different age groups to ensure appropriate nutritional intake.
Again, these standards are meant to promote balanced nutrition across different age groups.
Snacks require two of the following five components: fluid milk, meat or meat alternates, vegetables, fruits, and grains. Portion sizes are specified based on age groups for appropriate nutritional intake.
Milk and juice cannot be the only two items served in a reimbursable snack.
The CACFP establishes specific nutrition guidelines for infants to make sure they receive appropriate nutrition as they grow.
Portion sizes and food types are adjusted based on the infant's age and developmental stage to support healthy growth.
To locate child or adult care centers in your state that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, you can contact your State Department of Education, who can provide information on participating centers in your area. Additionally, reaching out directly to local child care centers, adult day care centers, or family child care homes can help determine their participation in CACFP.
Meal costs may be included in a single fee for tuition and services ("nonpricing programs") or charge separately for meals ("pricing programs"). Most centers and all-day care homes operate as nonpricing programs. Funding for meals is provided through reimbursements based on participants' eligibility under income guidelines for free, reduced-price, or paid meals.
Medicaid often covers services provided in adult day care centers, especially for individuals who would otherwise require full-time nursing home care. Coverage specifics differ by state, and eligibility depends on income and functional needs.
Whether you're a family caregiver, a sponsor, or someone passionate about community wellness, CACFP offers a pathway to making a difference. Contact your local state agency, explore available resources, and join this transformative program.
CACFP reminds us that nourishment is more than food in a world that can sometimes feel disconnected. It's about connection, care, and the belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table.
