CNR 2010: Nationwide Expansion of At-Risk Afterschool Meals in the CACFP

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (the Act), PL 111-296, was signed into law by the President on Dec. 13, 2010. The Act extends eligibility for at-risk afterschool meal reimbursement to all states participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance on the implementation of this expansion in CACFP.

Section 122 of the Act amends Section 17(r) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 USC 1766(r)) to extend eligibility for at-risk afterschool meal reimbursements to all states participating in the CACFP. Previously, reimbursement for at-risk afterschool snacks was available in all states; however, only 14 designated states were allowed to reimburse for meals, typically suppers, in afterschool care programs. Effective Oct. 1, 2010, all institutions participating in the at-risk afterschool care component of CACFP are eligible to claim reimbursement at the free rate for up to one snack and one meal served to each eligible participant per day. At-risk afterschool meals and snacks must be served free of charge and are reimbursed at the applicable free rates (7 CFR 226.17a(n)). Regulations and guidance regarding the implementation of an afterschool meal program can be found at www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/care/Afterschool.htm.

Because the provision extending eligibility for at-risk afterschool meal reimbursements is retroactive to Oct. 1, 2010, any institution currently participating in the at-risk afterschool care component of CACFP that has documentation to support that it served reimbursable meals to eligible children on or after October 1st may amend their claims to be reimbursed for those meals retroactively. Final amended claims for meals served in October, November, and December 2010 shall be submitted to the appropriate state agency no later than Feb. 28, 2011. States will be allowed to reimburse these institutions without regard to the required 60-day reimbursement claim deadline through this date. State agencies shall submit their final claims for October, November, and December, no later than April 30, 2011. Beginning with the January claim, all reimbursement claims should be submitted according to the regular claiming deadlines.

States should ensure that participating institutions operating at-risk afterschool snack programs or other afterschool programs for children are made aware of this important opportunity as soon as possible.

State agencies should direct any questions concerning this guidance to the appropriate FNS regional office. Regional offices with questions should contact the child nutrition division.

Cynthia Long
Director
Child Nutrition Division