Ensuring Children and Adults Have Access to Nutritious Meals and Snacks
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federal program that provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults who are enrolled for care at participating child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers. CACFP also provides reimbursements for meals served to children and youth participating in afterschool care programs, children residing in emergency shelters, and adults over the age of 60 or living with a disability and enrolled in day care facilities. CACFP contributes to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children and adults in the United States.
Are you a program operator caring and serving meals to children? If so, you may be eligible to participate in CACFP and receive reimbursements for serving healthy meals and snacks to children. Eligible public or private nonprofit child care centers, outside-school-hours care centers, Head Start programs, and other institutions which are licensed or approved to provide day care services may participate in CACFP, independently or as sponsored centers. Contact your state agency for more information.
Are you a program operator providing nonresidential care to adults? If so, you may be eligible to participate in CACFP and receive reimbursements for serving healthy meals and snacks to adults. Public or private nonprofit adult day care facilities which provide structured, comprehensive services to nonresidential adults who are functionally impaired, or aged 60 and older, may participate in CACFP as independent or sponsored centers. Contact your state agency for more information.
USDA's Focus on Nutrition Security
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service is working to ensure all communities have access to foods that support good health and well-being. Watch our video, which highlights how FNS nutrition assistance programs help all Americans thrive.
Page updated: July 01, 2024
