The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federal child nutrition program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program provides a subsidy to eligible child care centers, preschools, after-school programs, head start and home child care providers for serving nutritious meals and snacks to infants and children in child care. In Iowa, CACFP is administered in Iowa by the Department of Educations' Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services. This program plays an important role in improving the quality of child care and making care affordable for all.
Who is eligible to participate in CACFP?
Child Care Centers (CCC) & Preschools Outreach Flyer - please contact the Iowa Department of Education for eligibility requirements and reimbursement rates.
Child Development Home (CDH) Brochure - providers are only allowed to participate in this program under the sponsorship of a local Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) administering agency or sponsor. Providers must be HHS registered or accept Child Care Assistance.
Professional Development
"Joining the CACFP" training provides step-by-step guidance to apply for CACFP. The training is available on i-PoWeR, providing 1 hour DHS credit hour for center staff. Child Development Homes only need to complete lesson one and are not eligible to earn credit hours for completion of this informational lesson.
Find other CCR&R training opportunities
Links to resources that child care businesses might find helpful.
Childhood Obesity/Exercising with Children
CACFP Best Practices Checklist
CACFP Menu with Best Practices
CACFP Program Iowa
CACFP Program Sponsors Association
Child and Nutrition Recipe Box
Move for Thought Kit
Move for Thought PreK-K - Iowa State University
Team Nutrition
USDA CACFP
CACFP participation is an indicator of high-quality child care
What can CACFP do for me? English Spanish
Benefits of CACFP
Gives your program a competitive edge when parents know you serve healthy meals and snacks (34% use CACFP as a selling point)
CACFP offers free, DHS approved training on program administration, menu planning, nutrition education and more
Menu ideas and child-friendly recipes are available through CACFP
The USDA is an equal opportunity provider. USDA's Nondiscrimination Statement.
Iowa NonDiscrimination Notice: “It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate based on race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.6, 216.7, and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 6200 Park Ave., Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515- 281-4121, 800-457-4416; website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/.”