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Basic page CACFP Handbooks

These resources are periodically updated to reflect changes to the CACFP and highlight new resources available for households.

09/21/2023
Resource | Technical Assistance Crediting Handbook for CACFP

The Crediting Handbook for the Child and Adult Care Food Program reflects the updated CACFP meal pattern requirements, which became effective October 2017.

05/08/2023
Resource | Technical Assistance Mealtimes With Toddlers in the CACFP

Learn more about providing meals and snacks for toddlers. 

02/24/2022
Resource | Technical Assistance CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Care Handbook

The At-Risk Afterschool Meals component of the Child and Adult Care Food Program offers federal funding to Afterschool Programs that serve a meal or snack to children in low-income areas.

05/06/2019
Resource | Guidance Documents Guidance for Management Plans and Budgets

This handbook specifically focuses on plans for institutions (independent centers and sponsoring organizations) to conduct organized and fiscally responsible operations of the CACFP management plans outline the institution’s policies and procedures for administering and monitoring its own operations and those of its sponsored facilities.

05/03/2019
Resource | Guidance Documents Monitoring Handbook for State Agencies

The CACFP helps institutions and facilities serve well-balanced, nutritious meals to the participants in their care and this handbook provides details for administering the CACFP.

11/26/2018
Resource | Guidance Documents Serious Deficiency, Suspension, & Appeals for State Agencies and Sponsoring Organizations

A Child and Adult Care Food Program handbook.

02/06/2015
Resource | Technical Assistance CACFP Independent Childcare Centers Handbook

This handbook specifically focuses on CACFP operations by an independent child care center.

05/22/2014
Resource | Technical Assistance CACFP Adult Day Care Handbook

The purpose of this handbook is to help adult day care centers and sponsors of these centers meet federal requirements for meal reimbursement under CACFP.

01/01/2014
Resource | Guidance Documents Family Day Care Homes Monitor Handbook

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded program that provides payments for eligible meals served to participants who meet age and income requirements. This handbook is for monitors of family day care homes (FDCHs). An FDCH is an organized nonresidential child care program for children, generally 12 years of age or younger, operated in a private home, and licensed or approved to provide care.  In order to participate in CACFP, FDCHs must enter into an agreement with a sponsoring organization (“sponsor”).  

02/01/2012
Page updated: October 14, 2021