The CACFP Program
Information on the Federally Funded Program Food Program
A brief introduction to the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is one of the best programs available to providers. This program, which is under the School Lunch Program umbrella allots tax dollars to the welfare of children by reimbursing enrolled providers for meals they serve following the CACFP model.
What is the CACFP Model?
Meals are broken down into components. Each meal must contain 1 or more of each required component in order to be reimbursable. Omitting a component will result in a disqualification of the meal.
Breakfast must contain all of these components:
- One grain or bread
- One fruit or vegetable
- Milk
AM Snack must contain 2 out of 4 of these components:
- One grain or bread
- One fruit or vegetable
- One meat or meat alternative
- Milk
Lunch must include all of these components:
- One grain or bread
- One fruit or vegetable
- One fruit or vegetable
- One meat or meat alternative
- Milk
PM Snack must contain 2 of 4 of these components:
- One grain or bread
- One fruit or vegetable
- One meat or meat alternative
- Milk
Dinner must contain all of these components:
- One grain or bread
- One fruit or vegetable
- One fruit or vegetable
- One meat or meat alternative
- Milk
How Does One Claim Meals?
In order to claim a meal each component for each claimed meal must have been offered to ALL children in care. This does not mean that all children had to accept or eat each component, but it must have been available and offered. Attendance must be taken daily of all children in care and should be kept in a safe and accessible place during child care hours. Your food program sponsor has the right and obligation to check these files during each of her 3-4 visits per year.
Reimbursement Rates and the Child Care Home's Tier Level
The tier is determined by the school district and/or the individual children's household income. Everyone qualifies for the lower reimbursement level, Tier 2; while lower income families and those daycare homes in income-qualified school districts will receive higher reimbursement, Tier 1. If a provider does not reside in a qualifying district she may request income statements from her sponsor to distribute to her clients.
Income statements are sent directly back to the sponsor by the clients. The sponsor will then determine which tier the children qualify for. Some providers may receive Tier 1 reimbursement for some children and Tier 2 reimbursement for others. Tier levels are not disclosed to providers or parents by the sponsoring agency.
Alternatively, providers or parents may opt out of providing income statements. In this case, all children will receive reimbursement based on the school district alone.
How Much May Be Reimbursed?
Tier rates are determined in July of each year. Updated rates can be found at the USDA Food and Nutrition website.
2007-2008 rates are as follows:
- Tier 1: Breakfast $1.11 Snack/Supplements: $0.61 Lunch/Dinner: $2.06
- Tier 2: Breakfast $0.41 Snacks/Supplements: $0.17 Lunch/Dinner: $1.24
If you are interested in joining the Child and Adult Care Food Program contact your local sponsoring agency.
