The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded program administered through the New York State Department of Health which provides reimbursement for healthy snacks and meals. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), similarly, is a federally funded program that provides reimbursements for meals provided during the summer, including through summer camps. Access the slides for the above webinar here.
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
To apply or receive more information, contact cacfp@health.ny.gov using the subject line “Outreach Coordinator”, or call (518) 402-7400.
What Programs Need to Know About the At-Risk Afterschool Snack and Supper Program: Frequently Asked Questions
This is our 2-page guide on what you need to know about CACFP’s At-Risk Afterschool Snack and Supper Program and any questions you may have which was created in collaboration with Hunger Solutions New York.
Traditional CACFP
Use this guide to learn more about other reimbursement options for school-age childcare centers that offer afterschool care, but are not At-Risk eligible
Important for Programs Licensed or Registered by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
As of June 1st, 2015, meals and snacks served at child day care center-based programs must meet specific nutritional standards. The standards met by CACFP enrolled participants meet and exceed these OCFS nutrition standards while supporting programs through reimbursements and technical assistance.
CACFP Afterschool Meals Guide
Quality nutrition is an essential health and educational support for children, yet many go without the consistent nourishment they need to reach their full potential. The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) ensures children and teenagers receive high-quality meals and snacks while in afterschool enrichment programs and other care settings, fueling kids’ minds and bodies, so they are ready to learn and grow.
The Afterschool Meals Guide provides an overview of CACFP for schools, community organizations, and others considering serving meals or snacks beyond the school day. For additional information and resources, visit AfterschoolMealsNY.org.
Click here to view the guide.
CACFP Sample Menus
Our International Sample Menu has meals from around the globe to make for youth! It is complete with cooking instructions and serving sizes.
The supper and snack sample menu which follows the new meal guidelines for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). CACFP centers and day care homes must comply with the meal patterns.
Sample cycle menus which can be used by afterschool providers with and without access to a working kitchen. Cycle menus assist food staff in planning meals and keeping the cost of foods low.
Our updated menu planning template helps program providers in planning menus that meet CACFP requirements by clearly indicating how each meal component will be satisfied, whether it is a snack or supper. This new template introduces the expansion of the adolescent age group to include serving sizes for children ages 13 – 18 years and new vegan menu options creditable by CACFP.
CACFP centers and day care homes must comply with the meal patterns as of October 1, 2017. See these helpful posters from the USDA on choosing compliant yogurts, cereals, and milk, and planning meals for children ages 6 – 12 and 13-18.
Department of Health has updated for 2018 new meal pattern document.
Webinar Recordings and Resources
How Afterschool Programs Can Alleviate Food Insecurity Amid COVID-19 was recorded on November 19th, 2020. Webinar slides.
Navigating Your Afterschool Supper and Snack with CACFP webinar slides.
Framework for a Healthy Afterschool Program webinar recording and webinar slides.
Set Up for Success- Enrollment and Operations in CACFP webinar recording and webinar slides.
Vendors for Afterschool CACFP webinar recording and webinar slides.
Note: The reimbursement rates have been updated as of July 2022. Some webinars above mention old reimbursement rates. The new rates are $4.03 per meal and $1.18 per snack per child served.
CACFP Success Stories
The NYS Network for Youth Success has created a series of videos with the Hudson River Museum about using the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in their afterschool programs. The videos interview both staff members and youth participants of the program. The interviewees discuss why CACFP is important to them and their program as well as the long term impacts it can have on healthy eating choices. The staff also discuss the process of applying for CACFP and why they found it to be an integral part of the afterschool program. Click the links below to view the three segments.
Click on the following afterschool programs to learn how they implemented CACFP successfully in their programs.
Police Athletic League (PAL) New York City
City of Olean Youth & Recreation Department
Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region
Additional CACFP Resources
Spread the word about the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
by using the web button shown here on your organization’s website.
FRAC Facts: The Afterschool Meal Program
This fact sheet by the Food Research and Action Center provides additional information about CACFP and the benefits of participating in the program.
Share our Strength’s
Learn how to reach school food professionals to obtain sponsoring for your afterschool meals.
No Kid Hungry School Calculator
This interactive calculator provides decision-makers in schools and districts with a business model to understand the financial feasibility of feeding students by maximizing three federal nutrition programs: school breakfast, afterschool meals and summer meals.
USDA’s At-Risk Afterschool Meals: A Child and Adult Food Care Program Handbook
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s in-depth handbook which highlights what CACFP is, eligibility requirements for your program and how the application process works.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) menu planning form
The form can be used by afterschool providers who plan to serve supper and/or snack during their program. It provides a menu template for programs required to provide sample menus along with their CACFP paperwork.
The Importance of Child Nutrition Programs in New York State
A handout that explains why having programs that promote child nutrition is important in our state.
Afterschool Snacks & Meals
Share our Strength’s recently released resource for school food professionals that sponsor afterschool meals.
Summer Food Service Program
Hunger Doesn’t Take A Vacation: Summer Nutrition Status Report 2015
This report from the Food Research and Action Center provides information on the Summer Food Service Program and how its doing across the country. Currently, he state of New York is ranked number three in the top performing states in summer nutrition.
FRAC Facts: The Summer Food Service Program
This fact sheet by the Food Research and Action Center provides information about the summer meals program
For Parents and Children
MyPlate Kids’ Place
Created by the USDA, MyPlate is a resource for parents and children which include games, videos and other interactive activities to get your kids interested in healthy eating.
DOH CACFP Training Schedule
The New York State Department of Health offers a number of CACFP trainings for approved sponsors. Trainings include topics on CACFP administration, food production, and best practices. Click the links below to find trainings near you:
Capital District
New York City – Metro NY
Syracuse/Southern Tier
Our Partners
Look for additional resources and information from Hunger Solutions New York also available on at their News & Action Center
