Skip to content
Login

A National Platform for the Child and Adult Care Food Program Community

What's New?

News

Next Event

calendar

Find a Sponsor

Sponsors

Certification

Certification

Anniversary

Access to healthy meals and snacks for over 4.5 million children and adults

The National CACFP Association (NCA) has been the leading national organization for those who administer, operate or support the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) since 1986, providing education, information on legislation, regulation and advocacy issues, and resources to support the essential work of the CACFP community who ensure that every child and adult has access to nutritious food year-round.

boy smiling with yogurt
girl with pasta
kids with trays
Boy drinking water
Baby with carrot
Sponsor

THE FOOD PROGRAM

CACFP Participation is an Indicator of Quality Care

 

The CACFP combats hunger and brings healthy foods to tables across the country for children in child care centers, homes, emergency shelters, and afterschool programs as well as adults in day care through this USDA federal reimbursement program. Children learn healthy eating habits from caregivers who recognize the importance of participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program as a way to help children grow and develop to their fullest potential. Receiving nutritious meals early in life, as well as being physically active, is critical to the establishment of positive lifelong habits.

Learn More About the Food Program

Getting Member Resources Is As Easy As 1-2-3

Step 1

Join the Association

Step 2

Create Your Member Portal

Step 3

Sign In & Download

Join NCA
Northern Ill Food Bank

What Our Members Say

"One in five children in our service area are not getting the nutritious food they need. When kids don’t have what they need, emotional and learning needs suffer. We want to make sure no one is hungry. This program can be the difference."

Northern Illinois Food Bank 

Northern Ill Food Bank
Green Monkey

What Our Members Say

"Beginning with the garden in the backyard, we teach children about the importance of cooking healthy meals. Learning about nutrition comes with understanding the process and sampling new foods. We work to make a healthy connection by also sharing menus and educational nutritional notes with the families."

Green Monkey Daycare 

Green Monkey
Joy Parks

What Our Members Say

"I love the CACFP because they mandate both the nutrition, education and visits that help contribute to quality child care."

Joy Parks, Family Home Child Care Provider 

Joy Parks
Mercer County YMCA

What Our Members Say

"Nutrition is where it all starts for the day. You have to feel well to learn, work and play. Our YMCA chefs serve as the champions for child nutrition and value the CACFP."

Mercer County YMCA

Mercer County YMCA
Community Action Head Start

What Our Members Say

"We are able to provide the families in our area with quality child care and at the same time provide the children with the food and nutrition they need in order to grow and develop because of the CACFP."

Community Action Head Start Program 

Community Action Head Start
Kooking 4 kids

What Our Members Say

"What started with one kid saying, 'I’m hungry,' is now a sponsoring organization which served over  1,800 meals through the CACFP & SFSP. It’s important for us to prepare healthy foods and ensure access for all the kids in our community."

Kooking 4 Kids

Kooking 4 kids

Child Nutrition Champions