Child and Adult Care Food Program
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) assures that nutritious meals and snacks are served to children and eligible adults enrolled in child care centers, family child care homes, after school programs, emergency shelters, and adult day care programs by providing reimbursement for meals that meet minimum nutritional standards.
CACFP requires that well-balanced meals are served and good eating habits are taught. The program also provides training and technical assistance on nutrition, food service operations, program management, nutrition education and recordkeeping.
CACFP is administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- CACFP Programs
- Adult Day Care Centers - Licensed
- Child Care Centers - Licensed or License-Exempt
- At-Risk, Afterschool Program
- Emergency & Homeless Shelters
- Family Child Care Homes - Licensed & Registered
- Español - ¿Por qué es importante el CACFP?
- Forms
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Grant Opportunities
- Growing with MO
- How to Apply
- Manuals
- Missouri Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care
- Missouri Eat Smart Child Care
- Missouri MOve Smart Child Care
- Publications
- Rates
- Resources
- USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
- USDA Policies
Training
- CIVIL RIGHTS Training - Online
- CACFP Meal Pattern Training
- CACFP Infant Meal Pattern Training
- Orientation Training
Quick Reference Sheets
- Grain-Based Desserts in CACFP
- Calculating Sugar Limits for Yogurt in CACFP
- Calculating Sugar Limits for Breakfast Cereals in CACFP
- CACFP Best Practices
- Updated CACFP Meal Pattern: Infants
- Updated CACFP Meal Pattern: Child & Adult Meals
- Using the Updated Meal Pattern to Lower Costs
- Choose Breakfast Cereals With Less Added Sugar
- Choose Yogurt With Less Added Sugar
- Growing a Healthier Future with the CACFP
- Sample Meals, Age 1-2
- Sample Meals, Age 3-5
- Sample Meals, Age 6-18
- Sample Meals, Adults
- Serving Milk in the CACFP
Links to Important Information
- CACFP Appeal Flyer
- Instructions to updating application
- Instructions to update application forms throughout the year
- Instructions to submit original or revised claims for reimbursement
- Access the CACFP Web-based system
- Recent food recalls
CACFP Crediting Handbook
The Crediting Handbook is currently being revised by USDA and will be posted when available
The Crediting Handbook for the Child and Adult Care Food Program is designed by the USDA to be a companion to the Food Buying Guide. This handbook is a source to help determine creditable foods allowed in CACFP. The list of creditable and non-creditable foods in this publication is not all-inclusive. This publication includes only those foods that are commonly served in child care programs and foods USDA has received inquiries about or has noted as being credited incorrectly.