Child and Adult Care Food Program

Child and Adult Care Food Program
Name	Child and Adult Care Food Program
Formed	1968
Jurisdiction	United States
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Chief1 position	Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service
Parent department	United States Department of Agriculture
Website	https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp

Child and Adult Adult Care Food Program. It is a federal assistance program administered by the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. The program provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks served to eligible children and adults enrolled at participating childcare centers, daycare homes, and adult day care facilities. Its primary goals are to improve the dietary quality of meals served in care settings and to promote the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.

Overview

The program operates nationwide, partnering with state agencies such as state departments of education or health to administer reimbursements to local providers. These providers include licensed childcare centers, Head Start programs, shelters, and adult day care centers. Reimbursements are provided for meals that meet specific federal nutrition standards, with higher rates offered for meals served to children from households with incomes at or below certain federal poverty guidelines. The program is a key component of the National School Lunch Act and is closely related to other federal nutrition initiatives like the National School Lunch Program and the Summer Food Service Program.

Eligibility and participation

Eligibility to receive meals is based primarily on the income of the participant's household or, in the case of adults, their individual income. Children in households with incomes at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level receive meals free of charge, while those with incomes between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price meals. Participants from households above 185% pay a full price, though they may still receive meals at the facility. Facilities themselves become eligible by being licensed or approved to provide care and agreeing to operate the program in accordance with federal regulations administered by their state agency. Notable participating institutions often include YMCA locations, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and various faith-based and community organizations.

Meal pattern requirements

All reimbursable meals must comply with detailed meal patterns established by the USDA. These patterns specify required components and minimum quantities based on age groups: infants, children, and adults. For example, a lunch for children must include servings of fluid milk, meat or meat alternates, vegetables, fruits, and grains. Recent updates to these requirements, stemming from the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, have increased the inclusion of whole grains, reduced permissible levels of sodium, and eliminated trans fats. Training on these standards is often provided by state agencies or organizations like the National CACFP Sponsors Association.

Funding and administration

The program is federally funded through annual agricultural appropriations acts. The Food and Nutrition Service provides cash reimbursements and, in some cases, USDA Foods (commonly known as commodity foods) to state agencies, which then disburse funds to sponsoring organizations and individual care providers. Administrative funding is also provided to state agencies and to sponsors who oversee multiple facilities, such as large childcare chains or social service agencies. Oversight and audits are conducted by both the USDA Office of Inspector General and state authorities to ensure program integrity.

Impact and effectiveness

Studies, including those by the Mathematica and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, have shown that participation is associated with improved dietary intake among enrolled children, including higher consumption of milk, fruits, and vegetables. The program is also recognized as a critical support for the financial viability of many childcare providers, helping to offset food costs. Research published in journals like *Pediatrics* has indicated that consistent access to nutritious meals in care settings can support healthy development and learning readiness, contributing to broader public health goals.

History and legislative background

The program originated as part of a 1968 amendment to the National School Lunch Act, initially focusing solely on childcare settings. It was formally established as a permanent program by an amendment sponsored by Senator Richard Russell. Major expansions occurred through legislation like the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996, which created the At-Risk Afterschool Meals component, and the previously mentioned Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which strengthened nutrition standards. Its legislative authority remains under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, with periodic reauthorization occurring through multi-year bills like the Farm Bill.

Category:United States Department of Agriculture programs Category:School meal programs in the United States Category:1968 establishments in the United States