Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
1. How can the CACFP help me (the home child care provider)?
The CACFP will help you by providing reimbursement for meals and snacks that meet recommended nutrition guidelines to children in care. The program provides training on menu planning, food safety and nutrition and let parents know that children receive nutritious meals. Nutrition is an important part of quality child care and a healthy lifestyle.
2. What meals can I claim?
Providers can claim up to two meals and one snack (or two snacks and a meal) per child per day. For example, you can serve Breakfast, Lunch, Snack OR Morning Snack, Lunch, Dinner OR Morning Snack, Lunch, Afternoon Snack OR any combination that works best for you.
3. How do I get my reimbursement?
Reimbursement funding are sent directly to you on a monthly basis from your sponsor.
4. Does the CACFP meal pattern allow for variations to accommodate participants who cannot eat certain foods because of religious reasons?
Yes. In many cases substitutions to accommodate religious dietary restrictions can be made within existing meal pattern requirements. The adjustments can be made as needed by submitting a letter from the parent or a form signed by a medical official for an alternate meal pattern.
6. How can my participation in the CACFP help parents?
Parents who leave children in your program want to feel confident that the child receives the best care, the care of a professional. Your participation in the CACFP assures parents that their child is receiving nutritious meals based on USDA nutrition standards, a sign of quality child care, and will learn to develop healthy eating habits that will last life time.
7. Can I claim meals for my own children (the home child care provider)?
Under certain guidelines, home child care providers may claim meals and snacks served to their own children when in child care. Your sponsor can help you determine if you are eligible.
Sample Menu
| Breakfast | Lunch | Snack | |
| Day 1 |
*Milk Oranges Whole Wheat Bagel |
*Milk Ground beef Tomato sauce Pears Whole Wheat Pasta |
*Milk Kiwi |
| Day 2 |
*Milk Bananas Whole Grain Cheerios |
*Milk Beans and cheese Burrito Mango Tomatoes and lettuce Whole Wheat Tortilla |
String Cheese Peaches |
| Day 3 |
*Milk Plums Whole Wheat Toast |
*Milk Baked Chicken Green Beans Strawberries Whole Wheat Bread |
*Milk Pears |
| Day 4 |
*Milk Apples Oatmeal |
*Milk Homemade Macaroni and cheese Cooked carrots Melon Whole Wheat Pasta |
Plain Yogurt Blueberries |
| Day 5 |
*Milk Strawberries Whole Grain Kix |
*Milk Cottage Cheese Carrot Sticks Apple Sauce Whole Grain Crackers |
Cheese Whole Grain Crackers |
*Milk = For children 1 through 2 years old - Whole Milk
For participants 2 years old and older - Skim (fat-free) or 1% (low-fat) milk
Water must be offered and made available at all times.
The Virginia CACFP Sponsors Association will help you: