CACFP Regulations and Guidance
Proposed Rule: Revisions to Meal Patterns to be Consistent with the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The USDA released a document with proposed revisions to Child Nutrition Programs’ meal patterns in order to be consistent with the 2020 dietary guidelines for Americans. Key proposed changes that affect CACFP include:
1. New “added sugar” standards for breakfast cereals and yogurts
2. Flavored milk restrictions, dependent on age-group
3. Vegetables can be substituted for grains in programs that primarily serve American Indian or Alaska Native children
4. Nuts and seeds may credit for the full meat/meat alternate component
5. Terminology Changes
Questions and Answers on Alternative Protein Products (APP)
Food and Nutrition Service released a guidance document on Alternative Protein Products (APP) including Questions and Answers to assist CACFP providers. It is important that CACFP providers understand how to use and properly credit APP in their programs.
Read MoreCACFP Reimbursement and Cash in Lieu Rates Released 22-23
The USDA has released the Reimbursement and Cash in Lieu Rates for 22-23. Rates are effective beginning July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.
Read MoreQuestions and Answers Regarding the 2022 Infant Formula Shortage
The ongoing infant formula shortage due to supply chain issues, which worsened due to a major formula recall in February 2022, has left many CACFP operators concerned about access to formula and their options for safely feeding infants in their care. Food and Nutrition Service has developed the following Questions and Answers to support CACFP operators and their families during the infant formula shortage.
Read MoreCollection of Race and Ethnicity Data by Visual Observation and Identification in CACFP– Questions and Answers
This memorandum provides clarification on questions
related to the collection of race or ethnicity data now that
visual identification of race and ethnicity is no longer an
allowable practice in the Summer Food Service Program
(SFSP) and Child and Adult Care Food Program
(CACFP).
Flexibilities for Summer 2022 and School Year 2022-23
FNS is offering a suite of operational flexibilities that will be available to child nutrition programs for summer 2022 and school year 2022-23.
Read MoreArea Eligibility for Summer 2022 and School Year 2022-2023
This memo provides guidance to State agencies as they transition from COVID-19 nationwide waivers related to establishment of area eligibility in the child nutrition programs, including CACFP, for summer 2022 and school year 2022-2023. Child Adult Care Food Program operators must use data from October 2019, unless the National School Lunch State agency elects a month other than October to establish area eligibility.
Read MoreUpdated Nondiscrimination Statement and “And Justice for All” Poster
Effective May 5th, 2022, USDA released updated Nondiscrimination Statement Guidance. As a result of recent Supreme Court decision, State agencies and program operators must use the new updated nondiscrimination statement and new “And Justice for All” poster.
Read MoreCACFP Flexibilities During COVID-19 Supply Chain Disruptions
FNS has released guidance on current meal pattern flexibilities and opportunities for State agency and sponsoring organization discretion while monitoring meal pattern compliance during COVID-19 supply chain disruptions.
Read MoreQ&As for Child Nutrition Program Operations in School Year 2021-2022, Q&A #2
FNS has provided clarification on questions related to Child Nutrition Program operations during school year 2021-2022.
Read More