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USA Child and Adult Care Food Program – Enrollment Form, Eligibility Criteria, and Rates Explained!

USA Child and Adult Care Food Program - Enrollment Form, Eligibility Criteria, and Rates Explained!

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a critical initiative in the United States, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This program supports family and group day care centers, child and adult care facilities by providing financial assistance to ensure the provision of nutritious meals and snacks. By doing so, CACFP aims to enhance the health and well-being of children, elderly citizens, and individuals with disabilities. This guide delves into the eligibility criteria, application process, and reimbursement rates for CACFP in 2024.

USA Child and Adult Care Food Program

The CACFP is designed to reimburse child and adult care facilities for serving wholesome meals and snacks. These reimbursements are provided to facilities that adhere to federal nutritional standards. Eligible facilities include child care centers, adult day care centers, day care homes, after-school care centers, and emergency shelters.

TitleUSA Child and Adult Care Food Program
Year 2024
Name of the CountryUnited States of America 
Name of the AgencyU.S. Department of Agriculture 
Name of the Program Child and Adult Care Food Program
USA Child and Adult Care Food Program Eligibility 2024Qualified Childrens and Adults 
CategoryFinance
Official Web Portal www.benefits.gov

Key Features:

  • Reimbursement Types: Free, reduced-price, or paid rates.
  • Meals and Snacks Provided: Up to two meals and one snack per day for each qualifying participant. Emergency shelters are reimbursed for three meals a day, while after-school care facilities can serve one meal and one snack per day.
  • Reimbursement Rates: Vary by facility type and meal.

USA Child and Adult Care Food Program Eligibility for 2024

Eligibility for CACFP is determined by the age and circumstances of the participants. Below is a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria:

Eligibility Criteria

Participant TypeAge RequirementFacility Type
Child in Child Care CentersUp to 12 YearsChild Care Centers, Day Care Homes
Migrant ChildUp to 15 YearsChild Care Centers, Day Care Homes
Child in After-School CareUp to 18 YearsAfter-School Care Centers, Emergency Shelters
Adult in Adult Day CareAt least 60 YearsAdult Day Care Centers

How to Apply for CACFP in 2024

Applying for CACFP does not involve a direct application process for individual participants. Instead, facilities interested in participating must contact their state agency or the CACFP hotline.

Contact Information:

  • State Agency Contact: For detailed information about specific procedures and personalized guidance, reach out to your state’s relevant agency. They can provide accurate and up-to-date instructions tailored to your situation, ensuring that you follow the correct steps and meet all necessary requirements. Contacting the state agency directly can help clarify any uncertainties and streamline the process.
  • Hotline: For immediate assistance and answers to your questions, you can call the hotline numbers provided. The general hotline number is 1-866-348-6479, while the alternative is 1-877-842-6273. These lines are staffed by knowledgeable representatives who can offer support, provide information, and direct you to additional resources as needed. Don’t hesitate to use these hotlines for quick help and effective problem resolution.

Additional Information:

  • Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.558
    • This number refers to the specific federal program identified under the Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). CFDA numbers are used to track and manage federal funding opportunities across various programs. Program 10.558, under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, primarily supports nutrition and food assistance initiatives.
  • Tribal Eligibility:
    • The program associated with CFDA number 10.558 is not exclusively designated for American Indian or Alaska Native tribes. However, tribal entities, including both American Indian and Alaska Native groups, are still eligible to apply for funding under this program. This inclusivity allows for a broader range of organizations and communities to benefit from the resources provided.
  • Funding Type: Mandatory
    • This indicates that the funding provided under this program is not discretionary but rather mandated by law. Mandatory funding is allocated based on predefined criteria and regulations, and it typically ensures a consistent level of financial support for qualifying entities or initiatives.
  • Matching Funds Required: No

Reimbursement Rates for 2024

CACFP provides different reimbursement rates based on the type of facility and the meal served. Below is a table summarizing the federal reimbursement rates for daycare homes and centers.

Daycare Home Federal Reimbursement Rates

Meal TypeTier ITier II
Breakfast$1.66$0.60
Lunch$3.15$1.90
Snacks$0.93$0.26

Daycare Centre Federal Reimbursement Rates

Meal TypeFreeReducedPaidAt Risk
Breakfast$2.37$2.07$0.39NA
Lunch$4.43$4.03$0.42$4.43
Snacks$1.21$0.60$0.11$1.21

Administrative Reimbursement for Sponsoring Organizations of Daycare Homes

Number of Day Care HomesRate
Initial 50 Homes$147
Next 150 Homes$112
Next 800 Homes$87
Additional Homes$77

Conclusion

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) plays a vital role in ensuring that nutritious meals and snacks are provided to children, elderly citizens, and individuals with disabilities. Understanding the eligibility criteria and reimbursement rates is crucial for facilities looking to benefit from this program. By adhering to CACFP guidelines, day care centers, adult care facilities, and other eligible organizations can receive financial support to enhance the quality of care and nutrition for their participants.

For more detailed information or to apply, facilities should contact their local state agency or the CACFP hotline. The program’s ongoing support helps promote health and well-being across various communities, ensuring that nutritious food is accessible to those who need it most.

FAQs

What are the eligibility requirements for CACFP?

Eligibility for CACFP depends on age and facility type. Children up to 12 years in child care centers, 15 years for migrant children, and adults over 60 in adult day care centers qualify. Emergency shelters and after-school centers also qualify.

How can facilities apply for CACFP?

Facilities interested in CACFP should contact their state agency or use the CACFP hotline at 1-866-348-6479 or 1-877-842-6273 for application guidance. There is no direct application process for individuals.

What are the CACFP reimbursement rates for 2024?

Reimbursement rates vary: Daycare homes receive $1.66 for breakfast, $3.15 for lunch, and $0.93 for snacks (Tier I). Daycare centers receive up to $4.43 for lunch, with varying rates for breakfast and snacks based on eligibility.

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