Child Care Centers
Food Program Participation
Center Eligibility Requirements
Child Care Centers can participate if they are:
Licensed or legally exempt from licensing
A nonprofit center
OR
A for profit center if 25% of participants receive Title XX (Child Care Assistance) funds, or are from a low income household
Participant Eligibility Requirements
Child care centers receive payments for serving nutritious meals to infants and children age 12 and younger.
CACFP meals give infants and children the nutrition they need as a routine part of their day care program. CACFP reimbursements help to lower the cost of serving meals at centers.
Daily Tasks
Each day your center must complete the following:
Keep accurate attendance records
Complete meal counts while the children are eating
Complete food production records to show that enough food was made
Record any menu changes
Monthly Tasks
Each month your center must complete the following:
Complete forms for new participants
CACFP Annual Form
Special Diet Statement/Milk Substitution
Post a dated menu
Submit claim information to FEEDING OUR FUTURE
Train new staff on the CACFP required elements and Civil Rights
Annual Tasks
Each year your center must complete the following:
Collect new CACFP Annual Forms
Renew catering contract
Update purchasing procedures
Train staff on CACFP required elements and civil rights
Meal Pattern
Meals and Snacks Must Meet Basic Requirements
Lunch and Supper
All Lunches and Suppers Must Meet the Meal Pattern Requirements to be Reimbursable
Infants
All Meals and Snacks Served to Infants Must Meet the Meal Pattern Requirements