The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded program operated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service Program. The primary purpose of the program is to provide nutritious meals/snacks to children who are kept in a licensed or registered child care home. The White River Planning and Development District (WRPDD) has been a sponsor of the CACFP since 1983.

The WRPDD is a non-profit organization which sponsors child care providers (people who care for children in their homes) in north central and north eastern Arkansas Counties. These Counties include: Baxter, Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Marion, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, and White.

Participants in the CACFP receive a monthly reimbursement check for providing nutritious meals and snacks to children in their care. Day Care providers may claim reimbursement for two main meals (breakfast, lunch or supper) and one snack per child per day. A provider who keeps five children five days a week can receive a monthly reimbursement check from the program up to $114 per month per child. Children from infant through 12 years of age qualify for participation in the program REGARDLESS of the family level income.

Training sessions are also provided semi-annually at a central location in the District. In addition to informative topics on nutrition, the sessions include time for interchange of ideas with other providers and discussion of other subjects relating to child care. Previous sessions have included discussion on: income tax record keeping, sanitation, safety, first aid, preventing childhood injuries, preventing infectious diseases, children’s crafts, cooking with kids, and many others.

As with any federal program, a certain amount of paperwork is required. However, it is NOT COMPLICATED. Training is provided by the WRPDD staff in your home before you begin the program. Records must be kept which indicated the meals that you served. A daily attendance form must also be kept. WRPDD provides all necessary forms for participation in the program. You are also provided a training manual which details the operating procedures for the program. This manual also gives useful nutrition information, recipes and menu suggestions. You will also receive training on updated policies that will enhance your program throughout the year.

Meals and snacks served must meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements. This means you must serve foods from the four basic food groups. The amount of food you serve depends on the age of the children you keep. The operations manual gives further details on the serving requirements.

Participants on the CACFP must be licensed or registered by the Department of Human Services. WRPDD staff will assist you in contacting the licensing specialist of your area if you desire to keep more than five children. Once your license or registration has been approved, you are eligible to begin participating in the CACFP.