August 16, 2010

Income guidelines set for child and adult day care food programs

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services today announced the new income guidelines for free and reduced-price meals served at child and adult day care centers in Missouri.

The income guidelines are used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price meals at:

  • Child care facilities that serve meals to children from birth through 12 years of age;
  • After-school programs and family emergency shelters that provide meals to school-age children;
  • Adult day care programs.

The health department reimburses the facilities for meals provided to participants who meet the income guidelines. More than 3,000 facilities in Missouri participate in the program every year.

Approximately $47 million will be paid to participating facilities in Missouri in 2010.

Participants must meet the following guidelines:

  • The family’s income must be at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. Specific income guidelines for July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011, can be found at www.dhss.mo.gov/dnhs_pdfs/CACFPIncomeGuide.pdf.
  • The household receives benefits through Temporary Assistance or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP.
  • The participant is enrolled in an adult care facility and receives assistance through SNAP, Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income, also known as SSI.

Application forms for free or reduced-price meals can be obtained at aparticipating facility. Individuals can contact their child or adult day care facility or a family day care home sponsor in their area to find out whether it participates in the program.

Child and adult day care facilities interested in participating in the program can contact the health department’s Bureau of Community Food and Nutrition Assistance toll-free at 800-733-6251.

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, the participating institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.


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