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. 

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

For More Information About CACFP:

  • 2009-2010 CACFP Factsheet

  • At-Risk Afterschool Supper Program: NYS is one of the thirteen states across the country participating in a program that allows qualifying organizations to serve suppers to children.  This exciting supper program operates under CACFP with less paperwork and provides children 18 and under with more than a basic afterschool snack.  Click here and here to learn more. 

  • At-Risk Afterschool Snacks and Suppers for Afterschool Programs:  An FAQ created in collaboration with the New York State Afterschool Network (click here) *NEW*

  • FRAC: CACFP for Children and Youth in Homeless, Runaway, and 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.  Click here for program information, outreach materials, and links to other relevant information.

Resources for Sponsors and Providers:

  • For Child Care Providers: Changes in the Food Stamp Program may allow more families with day care and other related costs to qualify for food stamps.  Please help spread the word.  Click here for more information in English and here for Spanish. 

  • Healthy Kids, Healthy NY Afterschool Initiative Toolkit: Click here for a guide that addresses nutrition, physical activity, and promoting positive well-being in children.  A collaborative resource compiled by a team of representatives from the Governor’s Office, administering agencies, non-profits, and advocates. 

  • Eat Well Play Hard: From the NYS DOH, this child obesity prevention initiative aims to increase physical activity, decrease exposure to screen time, boost fruit and vegetable consumption, increase low-fat milk consumption, and promote breastfeeding.  Click here to learn more. 

  • USDA: Recipes for Childcare

Sample Materials to Promote CACFP and Nutrition in Child Care/Out-of-School Time Care:

CACFP Related Research:

 

Click here for additional materials about CACFP for Seniors

Click here for additional materials from the Child Nutrition Related Tools/Resources page