Child Care Centers

Most child care centers and school-age child care programs are eligible to participate in CACFP if they:

• Provide nonresidential care services
• Are licensed or approved by a federal, state, or local authority; or are approved by demonstrating compliance with state, local, or CACFP child care standards
• Are public or non-profit OR for-profit, if at least 25% of enrolled children either receive tuition subsidies or are eligible for free or reduced-price meals

For further assistance determining eligibility, email cacfp@health.ny.gov. Use the subject line “Outreach Coordinator.”

CACFP reimburses centers for each creditable meal or snack served, up to two meals and one snack per child per day. There are three reimbursement rates – free, reduced-price, or paid – based on the household income of participating children. The reimbursement rates for July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 are listed below.

CACFP reimbursements can make a big difference in centers’ food budgets. For example, a center might serve 100 children, with 30 children qualifying for the free reimbursement rate, 30 qualifying for reduced-price, and 40 qualifying for paid meal reimbursements. If the center served all 100 children a morning snack, lunch, and supper 20 days per month, CACFP could reimburse over $11,808 per month.

To be eligible for reimbursement, meals and snacks must follow the CACFP meal patterns, which require certain food components (e.g., vegetables, fruits, grains, fluid milk, meat, or meat alternatives) and minimum serving sizes for different age groups. Click here for sample menus and additional information.

To apply for CACFP, contact the NYS Department of Health:

Call: (518) 402-7400
Email: cacfp@health.ny.gov using the subject line “Outreach Coordinator.”

The NYS Department of Health’s CACFP prescreening tool can help determine if a program may be eligible.

Child Care Centers Factsheet

Child Care Meals Palm card

State:

NYS Department of Health

National:

USDA

National CACFP Sponsors Association

FRAC