CACFP FAQ's

What is the CACFP? CACFP is the Child and Adult Care Food Program, a Federal program that provides healthy meals and snacks to children and adults receiving day care. It plays a vital role in improving the quality of day care and making it more affordable for many low-income families. CACFP reimburses participating centers and day care homes for their meal costs. It is administered at the Federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Independent centers and sponsoring organizations enter into agreements with their State agencies to operate the program.

What types of facilities are eligible for the CACFP? Licensed Family Day Care Homes, Licensed Child Care Centers and Registered Ministries
Who is eligible to receive CACFP meals and snacks? Infants and children from ages 0 to 12 years are eligible to receive meals and snacks at a Food Program enrolled child care provider or facility. Migrant children age 15 years and younger and persons with disabilities, regardless of their age are eligible for CACFP meals and snacks as well. Food Program enrolled facilities will be reimbursed up to 3 meal services per day per child with at least one meal service being a snack.
How much CACFP reimbursement do child care providers and facilities receive and how many children are served?
Most centers include meals as part of their fees. Centers receive payments based on the type of meal served and the child or adult’s eligibility for free, reduced-price, or paid meals, while shelters and afterschool care programs are reimbursed at the free rate. As of July 1, 2010 the center rates in most states are listed below: Centers: Breakfast Free $1.48 Reduced-price $1.18 Paid $0.26 Lunch or Supper Free $2.72 Reduced-price $2.32 Paid $0.26 Snack Free $0.74 Reduced-price $0.37 Paid $0.06	Day care homes cannot charge separate fees for meals. Tier I payments are determined by School, Census, and providers household income. As of July 1, 2008, tier I and tier II rates in most States are: Family Daycare Homes: Breakfast Tier I $1.19 Tier II $0.44 Lunch or Supper Tier I $2.22 Tier II $1.34 Snack Tier I $0.66 Tier II $0.18

How much does CACFP cost, and how many people does it serve? In Fiscal Year 2001, USDA reimbursed $1.7 billion to institutions participating in CACFP. In December 2001, CACFP provided meals to 2.6 million children and 74,000 adults. Compare CACFP today with the program in: 1995: 2.3 million children and 44,000 adults participated at a cost of $1.5 billion. 1990: 1.5 million children and 18,000 adults participated at a cost of $812.9 million 1985: 1 million children participated at a cost of $452.1 million. 1980: 663,000 children participated at a cost of $236.4 million. 1975: 375,000 children participated at a cost of $51 million. Where can I get more information? To learn more about the CASY CACFP program contact the Food Program Manager, Terri Hemminghouse or for more information regarding the Food Program contact your State agency. If you have questions about any of USDA’s nutrition assistance programs, check the information on the FNS web site. You can also contact the FNS Public Information Staff by telephone at 703-305-2286, or by mail at 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 914, Alexandria, Virginia 22302.