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Revised: Eligibility Based on Census Data: Revision of 2012 Data Release

EO Guidance Document #
FNS-GD-2012-0029
FNS Document #
CACFP13 SFSP11-2012
Resource type
Policy Memos
Guidance Documents
Resource Materials
PDF Icon Policy Memo (66.66 KB)
DATE: April 26, 2012
POLICY MEMO: CACFP 13-2012, SFSP 11-2012: Revised
SUBJECT: Eligibility Based on Census Data: Revision of 2012 Data Release
TO: Regional Directors
Special Nutrition Programs
All Regions
State Directors
Child Nutrition Programs
All States

We were recently informed that the data provided to us by the Census Bureau to be used for area eligibility determinations in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) contained inaccuracies that affected eligibility for a small percentage of census block groups.

When the Census Bureau prepared the dataset, they incorrectly categorized children with missing poverty information as children eligible for free and reduced price meals. This coding error resulted in an overestimate of the number of children eligible for free or reduced price meals in the affected block groups.

The Census Bureau has provided corrected data, which have been posted on the PartnerWeb. Additionally, the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) has included the corrected data in their CACFP and SFSP mapping websites (http://www.fairdata2000.com/CACFP and http://www.fairdata2000.com/SummerFood). State agencies may use either the data provided on PartnerWeb or the FRAC mapping sites to determine area eligibility.

Corrected data were posted as of April 6, 2012, on the PartnerWeb and the FRAC mapping websites. In order to minimize the burden, we have created a list of the affected block groups, counties, and states, which is also posted on the PartnerWeb and the FRAC mapping websites (http://www.fairdata2000.com/Fusion/index.html).

SFSP sites located within the affected census block groups for which eligibility determinations were made using the inaccurate data, may maintain their eligibility for fiscal year (FY) 2012, but eligibility must be re-determined for FY 2013. Eligibility determinations for SFSP sites for which eligibility has not yet been determined must be made using the corrected data.

CACFP day care homes located within the affected block groups for which eligibility determinations were made using the inaccurate data must be re-determined using the corrected data. The review and reclassifications of tier I day care homes must be completed by September 30, 2012, but state agencies may establish an earlier date. Only those CACFP day care homes located within the listed affected block groups must be re-determined. Eligibility determinations for CACFP day care homes for which eligibility has not yet been determined must be made using the corrected data.

If it is determined that a day care home was misclassified as a tier I home based on the inaccurate data, reimbursements at the tier II rate should begin with the next calendar month following proper re-classification, but not later than Oct. 1, 2012. Additionally, day care homes that were reimbursed at the tier I rate due to misclassification based on the inaccurate data are not required to repay the excess reimbursement.

We encourage state agencies that have established an earlier completion date to consider providing sponsors additional time to complete review and reclassifications.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. State agencies should direct any questions concerning this guidance to the appropriate FNS regional office.

Cynthia Long
Director
Child Nutrition Division

Page updated: December 30, 2021

The contents of this guidance document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.