Food Program (CACFP)

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

The CACFP is a federally-funded United States Department of Agriculture program administered by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Office of Nutrition. CACFP enables child and adult care institutions and family or group day care homes to provide nutritious meals and snacks as a regular part of their day care and that contribute to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of infants, young children, and the health and wellness of older adults and chronically impaired disabled persons

Who may participate?

Independent centers and sponsoring organizations enter into agreements with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to assume administrative and financial responsibility for CACFP operations. CACFP provides for the serving of meals and snacks to eligible children and adults who are enrolled for care at the following types of eligible and participating centers or homes.

Center-Based Child Care: Eligible public or private nonprofit child care centers, Head Start programs, outside-school-hours care centers, youth development programs and emergency shelters (that provide residential and food services to children and youth experiencing homelessness) which are licensed or approved to provide day care services may participate in CACFP as independent or as sponsored centers. For profit centers must receive Title XX funds for at least 25% of enrolled children or licensed capacity (whichever is less) or at least 25% of the children in care must be eligible for free and reduced price meals. Children from birth through 12 years of age may be enrolled for CACFP benefits.

What are the meal requirements?

Meals and/or snacks served on the CACFP must meet Federal nutritional guidelines. CACFP meal pattern requirements vary according to age (infant, toddler, preschool school-age and adult) and types of meal served (breakfast, lunch, supper or snack).

Centers and day care homes may be approved to claim up to two reimbursable meals (breakfast, lunch, or supper) and one snack or two snacks and one meal, to each eligible participant, each day.
Emergency shelters may claim up to three reimbursable meals to each eligible resident, each day.
After School At-Risk programs may claim reimbursement for serving one meal and/or one snack to each child, each day.

Back to Meals

Finding a daycare you can truly trust is one of the hardest parts of being a parent—but this center has exceeded every expectation I had and more.
From the moment you walk in, you’re always greeted with a smile. They create such a welcoming environment that you immediately feel at ease. The teachers are nothing short of incredible and their attention and care has definitely helped my daughter grow into a smart, daring, funny, curious little girl.
The kitchen crew also deserves recognition for the thought and care they put into preparing meals. It’s comforting to know my daughter is being fed with the same level of attention and love she receives in the classroom.
Most importantly, the peace of mind this daycare provides is priceless. I never worry when I drop my daughter off because I know she is safe, loved, and in the best hands possible. Seeing how happy she is every day says everything.
I am beyond grateful for this entire team and I cannot recommend them enough.

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Award Certificate

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

Who may participate?

What are the meal requirements?

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