CACFP

History:
The Child and Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) provides funding for nutritious meals and snacks to certain children in licensed/approved child care centers, afterschool programs, homeless and domestic violence shelters, and for older adults in adult day care centers.

The US Department of Agriculture administers CACFP at the federal level. In New York State, the Department of Health (DOH) administers the program. DOH approves sponsoring organizations and centers.

Eligibility:
Programs that are eligible to participate in CACFP include: child day care programs, family day care programs, afterschool programs, homeless and domestic violence shelters, adult day care centers, and afterschool care programs.

DOH distinguishes qualifying care settings into the following two categories: Family Day Care Homes and Center-Based Care. To learn more about eligibility and if your child care program qualifies to be a CACFP sponsor, please check out the NYS DOH website or download this brochure.

Benefits:
CACFP provides funds for meals such as breakfast, lunch, and supper. Depending on the type of program and hours of operation, morning, afternoon and late night snacks may be served.

Funding:
CACFP is a federal entitlement program. Reimbursement rates are provided on a per-meal basis to applicants that meet program eligibility criteria. Levels of funding for meals depend on the type of organization or center.

How to Apply:
Organizations and programs may apply at any time of the year. To apply, contact DOH at 1-800-942-3858 or visit www.nyhealth.gov/nutrition for more information.

Learn more about CACFP with the 2011-2012 factsheet.

For Afterschool Programs

CACFP's At-Risk Afterschool Snack and Supper Program: This nutrition program gives funding to qualified afterschool programs to serve snacks and/or suppers to children and teenagers age 18 and younger.

2011-2012 factsheet for afterschool programs
FRAC tools and resources
NYS DOH brochure
FAQ created in collaboration with the New York State Afterschool Network
ReCharge! (Action for Healthy Kids): A free kit for incorporating nutrition and physical activity into your afterschool program.

For Youth in Homeless, Runaway, and/or Domestic Violence Shelters

CACFP is an important resource for children living in crisis. Shelters throughout NYS may use CACFP to bring good nutrition to these children. Visit the USDA for more information.

Resources for Existing Sponsors and Providers

Let’s Move in Child Care: Tools for Child and Day Care Centers: From First Lady Michelle Obama, a new effort to work with child and day care providers to help young children get off to a healthy start.
Kids Eat Well (Illinois Nutrition Education and Training Program): Online resources for building a healthy afterschool environment.
Expanded Food Stamp Eligibility for Families with Child Care Expenses (Empire Justice Center): brochure in English and Spanish
New York Healthy Kids, Healthy NY Afterschool Inititative Toolkit

Eat Well Play Hard in Child Care Settings (NYS DOH)
Recipes for Child Care (USDA)
Childcare Development Services Cookbook

Nutrition Education Promotion

MyPlate (USDA)
CACFP and Building for the Future (USDA), pamphlet
Recipes and Tips for Healthy, Thrifty Meals (USDA and CNPP)
What's Cooking with CACFP? (NFSMI), factsheet
Enjoy Moving (USDA), small poster
CACFP Mealtime Philosophy (NYS DOH), small poster

Related Tools and Research

National CACFP Forum, Spring 2012 Newsletter
2009 CACFP Participation and Trends (FRAC, February 2009)
Child Care Food Program Wellness Toolkit (FRAC)
Child and Adult Care Food Program: Aligning Dietary Guidance for All (Institute of Medicine, November 2010): New recommendations that the USDA promote more fruits/vegetables, whole grains, and lower-fat/salt/sugary foods in CACFP meal requirements.

Additional materials about CACFP for Seniors
Additional materials from Child Nutrition Related Tools/Resources