The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded program to support nutritious meals and snacks for children in child care, including registered family child care homes.
Try out our calculator to see how your registered family child care home could benefit if you participate in the food program!
*These food reimbursement rates are in effect for registered family child care providers between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Rates are annually adjusted — the next rate adjustments will be announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in July 2025.
The calculator is an estimate based on 5 children eating lunch and breakfast and a snack daily. Your actual reimbursement will vary based on a child’s attendance (e.g., whether or not they are in your home to eat). Therefore, providers are only reimbursed for meals served to children who have attended that day. It is also possible to claim reimbursement for more than 5 children depending upon the schedules utilized (e.g., part-time vs full-time care), which could mean that meals and snacks could exceed 5 children per day.
Providers can keep their records on paper. Or, to save time and promote efficiency, Child Care Resources and the Camden Department of Children’s Services will offer free KidKare software that will enable providers to efficiently manage their records on their computer (or you can enter records through your phone). No worries, training will be provided!
Sound like something you want to try? Ask us how to sign up! We will help you!
CACFP Monitoring & Oversight
Brief Explanation
Registered family child care homes participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) are reimbursed for nutritious meals and snacks based on rates set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Rates are adjusted annually in July.
Reimbursement rates are higher for food served to children in families at or below 185% of the federal poverty level compared to children in families with income above 185% of the federal poverty level.
Consult with Child Care Resources in Monmouth County or the Department of Children’s Services in Camden County about the U.S.D.A. tiered reimbursement system and how you can maximize income for your program. Our staff can walk you through each step along the way!
Breakfast Rate
Lunch or Dinner
Snacks
Number of Children
CACFP Resources for Child Care Providers
CACFP & Taxes: Family Child Care providers are always better off participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
While CACFP reimbursement is revenue to a family child care provider’s program, food expenses are also deductible as a cost related to operating your home business. Often the deduction can exceed CACFP reimbursement. Learn more here.
What is MyPlate? It’s all about eating healthy!
