The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) are essential federal initiatives designed to provide nutritious meals to children and adults in care settings, as well as to children during the summer when school meals are not available. If you are a childcare provider, community organization, or school looking to offer healthy meals through these programs, understanding the application process is crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to apply for both CACFP and SFSP, ensuring you can access the resources needed to support your community.
How to Apply for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
- Determine Eligibility
- CACFP is open to child care centers, adult day care centers, family day care homes, afterschool care programs, emergency shelters, and more.
- You’ll need to confirm that your facility meets the eligibility criteria, which typically includes serving meals to children or adults in care settings and following specific USDA guidelines.
- Contact Your State Agency
- Each state administers the CACFP, so you’ll need to contact your State Agency for Child Nutrition Programs. You can find contact information on the USDA website.
- The state agency will provide you with detailed instructions, forms, and necessary training to get started.
- Complete the Application
- Submit the required forms, which may include:
- Application for participation.
- License to operate your facility (if applicable).
- Financial statements to prove your program’s capacity to manage funds.
- Documentation of your meal service (e.g., menus).
- Ensure compliance with USDA guidelines for meal patterns and nutrition standards.
- Submit the required forms, which may include:
- Attend Training
- Most state agencies require training before approval. This training will cover nutrition guidelines, program recordkeeping, and reporting requirements.
- Receive Approval
- After submission and review, you will be notified of approval. You’ll begin receiving reimbursements for eligible meals served in your care facility.
How to Apply for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
- Determine Eligibility
- SFSP is designed for organizations that serve meals to children during the summer months when school is out. This includes schools, camps, nonprofits, government agencies, and faith-based organizations.
- The program is intended to serve areas where at least 50% of the children qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
- Contact Your State Agency
- Similar to CACFP, SFSP is administered at the state level. Contact your State Department of Education or Child Nutrition Program office to learn about the application process in your state.
- Submit the Application
- Gather necessary documentation, which may include:
- Proof of nonprofit status (if applicable).
- Site eligibility (to show your area qualifies based on income levels).
- A plan for meal service and program operation.
- Fill out the application forms provided by your state agency.
- Gather necessary documentation, which may include:
- Complete Training
- Training is usually required for sponsors and site operators. You’ll learn about meal patterns, recordkeeping, civil rights, and financial management.
- Receive Approval
- Once your application is approved, your program will be authorized to operate during the summer, and you will be reimbursed for eligible meals served.
Conclusion
Applying for CACFP and SFSP is a structured process that involves confirming eligibility, submitting the proper forms, and attending training through your state’s administering agency. These programs play a critical role in providing nutritious meals to children and adults, ensuring better health and well-being across various communities. By following the steps, you can help make a positive impact through these essential nutrition programs.