Food Program (CACFP)

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

The New York State Department of Health’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a nutrition education and meal reimbursement program that helps day care providers provide and serve nutritious and safely prepared meals and snacks to children and adults in their care.  The Child Care Council of the Finger Lakes, Ins. is a sponsor of this program in Cayuga and Seneca County.  As part of the program, the Child Care Council assists child care providers to help them establish and create healthy eating habits with the children in their care.

How CACFP Enhances Your Program?

CACFP will reimburse you for the meals and snacks that you provide to children enrolled in your child care program. The Child Care Council of the Finger Lakes will provide training, guidance in menu planning and technical support in nutrition. Parents are informed about the healthy foods you provide to the children in your care, CACFP nutritional guidelines and any other requested information.

Who Is Eligible to Participate in the Program?

You must be licensed or registered by the State of New York as a Family or Group Family Day Care Home, or be enrolled with the local Department of Social Services to provide legally exempt care. You must be approved by a Program Sponsor in order to receive financial assistance from CACFP.  The Child Care Council of the Finger Lakes, Inc. is a Sponsor of the CACFP Program in both Seneca and
Cayuga County.

Meal Allowance Reimbursement Rates as of July 2005:

Higher payments (Tier I) are paid to homes in low-income areas and to low-income providers. Meals and snacks served to children who are eligible for free and reduced-price school meals also receive higher rates of reimbursement. As of July 1, 2008, Tier I and Tier II rates (in U.S. dollars) are the following:  

(Rates change every July)

How to Get Started….
A day care provider must sign an agreement with a sponsoring organization to participate in CACFP. The sponsoring organization organizes training, conducts monitoring, and helps with planning menus and filling out reimbursement forms.
How do I find out more

To find out more about Child and Adult Care Food Program, please contact:
Cayuga County: Lisa Johns                        315-255-6994
Seneca County: Sandra Mansell              315-568-0945

Food Program FAQ’s

Frequently Questions asked about the CACFP program

Q: How do I receive food or money when I participate in CACFP?

A: Each month you will receive a check from the Child Care Council of the Finger Lakes for the meals and snacks that you provide to the children in your day care home. The first month is held for initial approval. All CACFP payments are sent to providers monthly.

Q: What records do I need to keep?

A: You must complete a daily attendance sheet and menu form.  You will also need to collect enrollment information on each child in your day care home.
 
Q: Can I claim my own children in CACFP?

A: Providers own children may be claimed if your household meets the
income requirements.

Q: What are the requirements for the meals I serve to children in my day care?

A: The meals served in your day care home must include milk (fluid, not dry), fruits, vegetables, bread or bread alternates, and meat or meat alternates.  Meals that are considered creditable may be found on the CACFP website: www.health.state.ny.us/prevention/nutrition/cacfp/ .  You can also contact your CACFP sponsor for guidance and assistance with meal planning.

Q: Can infant meals be counted in CACFP?

A: All children in your care must be offered a CACFP approved meal.  Children under one year old have different nutrition requirements and must be recorded on separate menus.