Michigan Child Care Providers and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) - post

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federal program in the United States that provides financial assistance to child care providers, schools, and other organizations offering nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults in their care. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), CACFP plays a crucial role in promoting the #health-and well-being of individuals in child care settings, adult day care centers, after-school programs, and #emergency shelters.

Key features of the Child and Adult Care Food Program include:

Financial Assistance:

• CACFP offers cash reimbursements to participating childcare providers and organizations to help offset the costs associated with serving nutritious meals and snacks. These reimbursements are based on the number of eligible meals served and comply with established nutrition standards.

Nutrition Standards:

• CACFP emphasizes the provision of well-balanced and nutritious meals. Participating providers must adhere to specific nutrition standards, ensuring that meals include appropriate servings of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. This focus on nutrition aims to promote #healthy-eating habits from an early age. Understanding the USDA MyPlate food guide is an important step. Check out ChildCareEd’s article: Childhood Nutrition to learn more.

Eligible Participants:

• CACFP serves various settings, including child care centers, family child care #homes, Head Start programs, after-school programs, adult day care centers, and emergency shelters. Eligible participants in these programs receive nutritious meals through CACFP.

Support for Low-Income Individuals:

• CACFP targets programs that primarily serve children and adults from low-income households. By providing financial assistance, the program helps ensure that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious meals, supporting their overall #health-and #development.

State Administration:

• While CACFP is a federal program, it is administered at the state level. State agencies, often within the Department of Education or a similar department, oversee the implementation of CACFP. These agencies establish guidelines, provide training, and monitor participating providers to ensure compliance.

Recordkeeping and Reporting:

• Participating providers are required to maintain accurate records of meals served, #attendance, and other relevant information. Regular reporting is necessary to demonstrate program compliance and eligibility for reimbursements.

Training and Technical Assistance:

• CACFP offers training and technical assistance to help providers understand and meet program requirements. This includes guidance on nutrition education, #menu-planning, and best practices for promoting a healthy food environment.

Community Impact:

• By supporting child care providers and organizations, CACFP contributes to the overall well-being of communities. Access to nutritious meals fosters healthy development, enhances learning outcomes, and addresses food insecurity issues among vulnerable populations.

Overall, the Child and Adult Care Food Program plays a vital role in ensuring that children and adults in various care settings receive the nutrition they need for optimal growth, development, and overall well-being. It aligns with the broader goals of promoting health, preventing hunger, and supporting the educational and #developmental needs of individuals in child care and adult care settings.

Michigan Child Care CACFP Participation:

Participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in the state of Michigan involves several steps. Here's a guide to help child care programs in Michigan navigate the process:

Review Eligibility Criteria:

• Ensure that your child care program meets the eligibility criteria for participation in CACFP. Eligible entities typically include child care centers, family child care homes, Head Start programs, at-risk afterschool programs, and emergency shelters that provide nonresidential care.

Contact Michigan Department of Education (MDE):

• Reach out to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), which administers CACFP in the state. You can visit their official website or contact them directly to obtain information about the program, application procedures, and any specific state guidelines.
• Michigan Department of Education (MDE): MDE CACFP

Attend Training or Orientation Sessions:

• Participate in CACFP New Sponsor Training provided by MDE. These sessions will cover CACFP regulations, guidelines, and the application process. Training may include information on #menu-planning, nutrition standards, recordkeeping, and other program requirements.

Request and Complete Application Materials:

• Obtain the CACFP application materials from MDE. You may be able to download the forms from their website or request them directly from the department. Complete the application with accurate information about your child care program.

Develop a Menu that Meets Nutrition Standards:

• Design a menu that complies with CACFP nutrition standards. Ensure that your meals include appropriate servings of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. Familiarize yourself with the meal pattern requirements specified by CACFP. 

Implement Recordkeeping Systems:

• Establish effective recordkeeping systems to document meals served, attendance, and other necessary information. Accurate and timely recordkeeping is essential for demonstrating compliance with CACFP regulations.
  • Records to maintain: 
    • Menus for foods served for all participants
    • Meal attendance for all meals served to participants 
    • Center attendance (may differ from meal attendance) 
    • Receipts & invoices 
    • Food (including milk) 
    • Food service supplies 
    • Administrative costs 
    • Enrollment Forms (Not required for at-risk afterschool programs or emergency shelters) 
    • Household Income Eligibility Statements, (HIES) if applicable.

Submit the Application:

• Submit your completed CACFP application to the Michigan Department of Education. Include all required documentation and ensure that your application is accurate and complete.

Participate in Monitoring Visits:

• Be prepared for monitoring visits from representatives of MDE or their designated agencies. During these visits, your program's compliance with CACFP regulations will be assessed. Use these visits as an opportunity to address any questions and demonstrate your commitment to program requirements.

Receive Approval:

• Upon successful completion of the application process and verification of compliance, your child care program will receive approval to participate in CACFP. This approval enables you to start receiving cash reimbursements for eligible meals served.

Implement CACFP Guidelines:

• Start implementing CACFP guidelines in your child care program. This involves serving nutritious meals that meet program standards, incorporating nutrition education, and maintaining ongoing compliance with program regulations. Look for some Healthy Nutrition Tips with ChildCareEd’s article: 4 Healthy Children Nutrition Tips for Daycare Providers

Stay Informed and Seek Support:

• Stay informed about any updates or changes to CACFP regulations in Michigan. Regularly check the MDE website for resources, updates, and additional support. If needed, reach out to MDE's Nutrition Programs Office for guidance. ChildCareEd’s #free resources include the following items to support those participating in the CACFP program.
  • Weekly Menu Planner
  • Meal Pattern Requirements
  • Infant and Toddler Weekly Menu Template

• Contact: Michigan Department of Education Child and Adult Care Food Program
• Telephone: 517-241-5353
• Email: mde-cacfp@michigan.gov
• Web site: www.michigan.gov/cacfp

Family Day Care Home Participation:

To participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), as an eligible Family Day Care Home (FDCH) provider, the provider must be approved, unlicensed, or licensed to provide day care services.  The individual must sign a provider/sponsor agreement with an eligible FDCH Sponsor. FDCH Sponsors provide training, conduct monitoring, assist with planning menus, and submit requests for meal reimbursements.  Interested in participating in CACFP as an FDCH provider in Michigan, contact one of the FDCH Sponsors listed below. 

• Association for Child Development P.O. Box 1491 East Lansing, MI  48826 517-332-7200 800-234-3287 Association for Child Development (ACD) (https://www.acdkids.org/) 
• Vibrant Futures 233 E. Fulton, Suite 107 Grand Rapids,  MI  49503-3262 616-451-8281 800-448-6995 Vibrant Futures (https://vibrantfuturesmi.org)
• Mid-Michigan Child Care Centers, Inc. 7375 Midland Road, Suite A PO Box 610 Freeland,  MI  48623 989-695-2683 800-742-3663 Mid-Michigan Child Care Centers, Inc. (https://www.midmichigancc.com/) 

Enrollment in CACFP provides crucial financial support, offering cash reimbursements to offset the costs associated with providing nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children. This support not only eases the financial burden on child care providers but also enables them to invest in program enhancements and resources, ultimately enriching the learning environment. Furthermore, participation in CACFP ensures that children receive balanced and healthy meals, positively impacting their overall health and development. By instilling #healthy-eating habits at an early age, child care providers contribute to the long-term well-being of the children they serve. Additionally, CACFP compliance aligns with licensing standards, fostering regulatory adherence and supporting professional development opportunities. Overall, CACFP participation enhances the quality of child care, promotes health-conscious practices, and contributes to a thriving and well-nourished community of young learners.

Looking for information on child nutrition? ChildCareEd offers several courses that focus on healthy eating and child nutrition. 

• On My Plate: Children's Nutrition
• Health & Nutrition
• Healthy Habits from the Start