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Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded program that is administered and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The program provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks served to eligible children and adults who attend qualifying non-residential care facilities.

Interested in learning more about the CACFP?

  1. Visit the NC CACFP website at www.ncdhhs.gov/nccacfp.
  2. Click “How to Apply” to learn more about the application process.

Farm to CACFP
By NC Department of Health and Human Services
Explore information and resources on Farm to CACFP and how to incorporate local food into CACFP operations.

USDA CACFP
By U.S. Department of Agriculture
Learn more about the CACFP, federal regulations, and resources to assist with program operations.

CACFP Reimbursement Rates | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov)
By USDA
View the current reimbursement rates, which are adjusted annually each July.

Leveraging CACFP For Farm To Early Care and Education
By Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)
Discover how CACFP can support Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) initiatives.

CACFP can be leveraged to support multiple core elements of Farm to ECE.

1 Procurement
CACFP can be used to purchase local foods from:
  • Farmers Markets
  • Food Hubs
  • Community Supported Agriculture Models
  • Other Food Vendors
2 Gardening
As long as produce grown is used as part of reimbursable meals or nutrition education, CACFP can be used for gardening items including:
  • Seeds
  • Fertilizer
  • Watering Cans
  • Rakes
  • Garden Plot Rentals
3 Education
Garden products can be used for nutrition education or taste testing. Providers can use USDA Team Nutrition resources for agricultural and nutrition education lessons.
4 State-Level Coordination
CACFP state agencies can use state administrative expense funds to support Farm to ECE coordination and activities. Funds can by used for state-level activities, including:
  • Produce state-level Farm to ECE guidance materials
  • Create Farm to ECE coordinators that provide state-level training and technical assistance
  • Conduct statewide trainings and organize statewide meetings to disseminate program information and encourage sharing of best practices
  • Collaborate on regional Farm to ECE efforts