What is the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)?

The Child and Adult Care Food Program is federally funded and provides reimbursement for meals and snacks served to children enrolled in programs such as licensed or approved  private home day cares and centers. Each day, 3.3 million children receive nutritious meals and snacks through the CACFP.  Additionally, the CACFP also provides meals to children residing in emergency shelters, and snacks and suppers to youths participating in eligible afterschool care programs.

What is a Sponsor?

A Sponsor is an organization that helps you claim monetary reimbursement each month from the CACFP. Sponsors ensure you are food program compliant with state and federal rules and help you ensure proper child nutrition.

How does it work?

Although each state has different rules that govern food program specifics, the meal serving and reimbursement process is generally the same. Your Sponsor will help you to create a menu that is food program compliant. You record meals according to your Sponsor’s requirements in KidKare for free if your Sponsor uses our software. Once a month you send the meals that you recorded to your sponsor as a claim. Your Sponsor reviews your claim and then sends you reimbursement for the meals you served.

How much will I get reimbursed?

Your reimbursement amount depends on the number of meals you served, as well as the reimbursement tier you qualify for. Below are some helpful articles by Tom Copeland that cover reimbursement rates and general questions about the food program.

Where can I find a Sponsor in my state to help me get started on the food program?

The child and adult care program website provides centers with a way to find a sponsor. Click here to find your sponsor today!