What is the Child and Adult Care Food Program?
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded program operated through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services Program. The primary purpose of the program is to provide nutritious meals and snacks to children who are in a child care home setting. Solano Family & Children’s Services (SFCS) sponsors the Food Program in Solano and Napa counties.
What are the benefits of the CACFP?
Participants in the CACFP receive a monthly reimbursement payment for providing nutritious meals and snacks to the children in their care. Providers may claim reimbursement for:
- Up to two main meals and one snack, per child, per day /OR
- Up to two snacks and one main meal, per child, per day
ALL children from infant through 12 years of age qualify for participation in the program REGARDLESS of their family income level. Some providers may also be eligible to claim their own residential children on the CACFP.
Parents appreciate when their provider participates on the program. It gives them peace of mind, knowing they don’t have to worry about packing daily meals and snacks for their children to eat in the provider’s home. This can really help when marketing your family child care home business.
What kind of records must I keep?
A small amount of paperwork is required. However, it is not complicated. Training is provided by SFCS staff before you begin the program. Online recordkeeping is required, using KidKare software to track your daily menus and attendance.
What types of food must be served?
Meals and snacks served must meet the USDA requirements. This simply means you must serve food from the five basic food groups: milk, proteins, bread, and fruits and vegetables.
Where do I begin?
Participants must be either:
- A family child care home licensed by the Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing /OR
- TrustLine Registered with a final clearance letter