CACFP (Childcare Meals)
Subsidized meals at childcare centers and afterschool programs
What is CACFP?
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides federal funding for nutritious meals and snacks served at childcare centers, family daycare homes, afterschool programs, Head Start centers, and adult day care facilities.
Families do not apply for CACFP directly. Instead, childcare providers and program operators enroll in CACFP and receive reimbursement for serving nutritious meals. If your child attends a participating program, they receive healthy meals at no additional cost to you.
Where CACFP Meals Are Served
- Child care centers — licensed daycare facilities
- Family child care homes — home-based daycare providers
- Head Start programs — federally funded early childhood education
- Afterschool programs — in low-income areas, free snacks and meals
- Emergency shelters — meals for children in homeless shelters
- Adult day care centers — meals for elderly and disabled adults
What Families Should Know
Ask your childcare provider if they participate in CACFP. Participating providers must follow USDA meal pattern requirements, ensuring your child receives balanced, nutritious meals. If your provider doesn't participate, encourage them to look into enrollment — it benefits both providers and families.
How to Apply
- 1 Families don't apply directly for CACFP
- 2 Ask your childcare provider if they participate in CACFP
- 3 Participating centers serve meals to enrolled children automatically
What You Get
- Nutritious meals and snacks at participating childcare centers
- Up to two meals and one snack per day (or two snacks and one meal)
- Meals at afterschool programs in low-income areas
Key Facts
- CACFP is administered through childcare providers, not directly to families
- Ask your daycare, preschool, or afterschool program if they participate
- Head Start programs are required to participate in CACFP
Official Resources
Related Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my childcare center participates?
Find a Food Pantry Near You
Food pantries provide immediate food assistance alongside CACFP.