Overview

CACFP | Program Guidance | Forms | Operational Memos | Resources

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides cash assistance for nutritious meals and snacks served in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to infants and children ages 18 and younger residing in emergency shelters. In April 2021, the USDA issued new guidance that emergency shelters may claim meals and snacks for participants through age 24. This provision is in effect during the current COVID public health emergency.

• USDA Memo CACFP 08-2021: Implementation Guidance for State Agencies on Reimbursement for Meals and Snacks Served to Young Adults in CACFP
• USDA Memo CACFP 12-2021: Reimbursement for Meals and Snacks Served to Young Adults in the Child and Adult Care Food Program—Questions and Answers

To participate in the CACFP, sponsors must be public or private organizations. Cash assistance is available for up to three meals a day (or two meals and one snack a day) for each child. All meals and snacks must meet the requirements of the CACFP meal patterns for children and infants. 

CACFP Guidance

• Child Care Nutrition and Physical Activity Policies
• Forms for CACFP Child Care Centers
• Meal Patterns for Children
• Meal Patterns for Infants
• Online Application and Claiming System for Connecticut Child Nutrition Programs
• Operational Memos for the CACFP
• Program Guidance for CACFP Child Care Programs

Nutrition Policies and Guidance

• Crediting Foods in CACFP Child Care Programs
• Feeding Infants in CACFP Child Care Programs
• Food Safety for Child Nutrition Programs
• Meal Patterns for CACFP Child Care Programs
• Special Diets in CACFP Child Care Programs

Nondiscrimination Statements (USDA and CSDE)