Missouri's Child, Adult Care Food Program Available To Many Facilities

JEFFERSON CITY -- Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Community Food and Nutrition Assistance is seeking eligible child and adult care facilities, after-school programs and emergency shelters to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

CACFP is a federally-funded U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition program available to childcare centers, adult daycare centers, Head Start programs, emergency shelters and before- and after-school programs. The program reimburses approved facilities for nutritious meals and snacks served to children and adults in care. The meals are available to children and adult program participants at no separate charge.

Federal income guidelines determine children's eligibility for free and reduced-price meals through CACFP. Foster children and children who receive benefits through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or who are Head Start participants are categorically eligible to receive free meals through CACFP. Adults who receive SNAP benefits, FDPIR benefits, Social Security Income or are Medicaid participants are automatically eligible for free meals.

Approved or exempt institutions that offer a structured after-school program with educational or enrichment activities may be eligible to participate in the at-risk after-school component of CACFP. This program reimburses institutions that serve nutritious after school snacks and/or a supper meal to children up to 18 years of age in a structured environment after the school day has ended. The after-school program must be located in a low-income area where 50 percent or more of the children at the nearest school receive free or reduced-price meals.

To learn more about participating in CACFP, visit the CACFP webpage, call 800-733-6251 or email [email protected].

• • •

About the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: The department seeks to be the leader in protecting health and keeping people safe. More information about DHSS can be found at health.mo.gov.