As a CACFP sponsor, July marks the start of one of the most important planning windows of the year: preparing your annual budget for the October 1 submission. The CACFP fiscal year runs October 1 through September 30, which means your organization’s FY2027 budget needs to be drafted, reviewed, and submitted to your state agency
Summer changes everything in a childcare program — the schedule, the energy, and definitely the appetite. When it’s hot outside, heavy snacks don’t land the same way. Kids want something cool, colorful, and easy to eat between activities. The good news? CACFP-creditable snacks are a perfect fit for summer. Fresh fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and whole
In the ever-changing landscape of childcare management, staying ahead means embracing technology that evolves with your needs. This month, we’re excited to announce that Parachute has transformed from a robust financial software into a comprehensive childcare management system with powerful new features designed to streamline your operations and enhance parent communication. The Evolution of Parachute With 30 years of industry experience behind
Creating and managing a budget for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) can feel overwhelming, especially with changing regulations and fiscal requirements. As a CACFP sponsor overseeing multiple sites, your budget isn’t just a financial document—it’s the foundation of your program’s success and compliance. This CACFP budget guide will walk sponsors through the
In the world of childcare and adult care services, participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides vital financial support for serving nutritious meals. However, the path to successful program participation is paved with detailed requirements, extensive documentation, and regular monitoring. Understanding how centers and providers can make or break CACFP compliance
When you participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), you obviously want to make sure you’re always maximizing your reimbursements instead of leaving any money on the table. There are many ways to go about it. Some strategies are easier than others. Some are program-oriented, while others are based in communication and
Having the right staff in place is essential for the success of any Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) sponsor. It is important to ensure that all staff members understand their roles and responsibilities. But the most vital factor is that the staff should have a deep comprehension of the CACFP and be up
It’s hard to appreciate just how much time and effort that goes into managing the large amount of data required to participate in the CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program), maximize reimbursements every month, and stay compliant. It’s an enormous responsibility CACFP sponsors and their sites know very well. Luckily, advancements in cloud technology
When you participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), you obviously want to make sure you’re always maximizing your reimbursements instead of leaving any money on the table. There are many ways to go about it. Some strategies are easier than others. Some are program-oriented, while others are based in communication and