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The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded program that provides payments for eligible meals served to participants who meet age and income requirements. This handbook is for monitors of family day care homes (FDCHs). An FDCH is an organized nonresidential child care program for children, generally 12 years of age or younger, operated in a private home, and licensed or approved to provide care. In order to participate in CACFP, FDCHs must enter into an agreement with a sponsoring organization (“sponsor”).
The CACFP helps FDCH providers serve well-balanced, nutritious meals to the children in their care. Meals served by participating providers must meet minimum guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Serving nutritious meals helps improve and maintain the health and nutritional status of children in day care and can help young children develop good eating habits.