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20 Child Care Subsidy Provider Handbook Food Assistance The Child + Adult Care Food Program The goal of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is to see that well-balanced meals are served and that good eating habits are taught in child care settings. The CACFP provides reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks for eligible children in child care centers, family child care homes and outside school-hours programs, as well as to eligible adults in adult care centers. The CACFP is administered by the Nebraska Department of Education and funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). All program funds come from tax dollars, which is why all recipients must be accountable for how these funds are used. The program serves children birth through age 12, children of migrant workers through age 15, physically and mentally disabled persons receiving care in a setting where most children are age 18 and under, and adults in nonresidential care settings. Eligibility* Family child care home and license-exempt providers must be affiliated with a participating sponsor. Child care centers have the option to participate either with a sponsor or independently (see page 45 for a list of sponsors). Eligible programs may include:* • Licensed child care centers • Licensed family child care homes • License-exempt providers with a current child care subsidy enrollment Child care centers must meet one of these criteria: • Have tax-exempt status granted from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) • Have at least 25% of the children in care eligible for free/reduced price meals OR who receive child care subsidy *Note: CACFP is available to all individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. Any person who believes they have been discriminated against in any USDA-related activity should write immediately to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, DC. Reimbursement • The reimbursement rate is determined by the number of enrolled participants who are served meals, and the rates are set by the USDA. • Reimbursement rates are the same in all sponsoring organizations. Provider responsibilities • Serve meals meeting program requirements. • Keep daily records of attendance, menus and number of meals served. • Attend training activities that relate to the CACFP. • Educate children about proper nutrition and establishing healthy eating habits. • Provide support and training on nutrition, food service operations, program management and recordkeeping. • Review and monitor program services to ensure good nutrition for all children.