Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has announced that more than 85.6 million meals and snacks were served to children through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in fiscal year 2024. This federal program, administered by ISBE and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides nutritious meals at no extra cost to children in child care centers, day care homes, after-school programs, and emergency shelters across Illinois.

October 1 marks the renewal period for CACFP sponsors to continue operating the program into the next fiscal year. The USDA updates the Income Eligibility Guidelines annually, determining eligibility for reimbursements that support these meals. Parents are advised to check if their child care providers participate in CACFP.

"Good nutrition is the foundation for healthy growth and child development," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "The Child and Adult Care Food Program ensures that children across Illinois, regardless of their family's financial situation, have access to the nourishment they need."

Currently, there are approximately 750 CACFP sponsors in Illinois. Sponsors use direct certification processes and applications to determine eligibility and reimbursement data. Families may need to provide income or assistance information such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program details.

“The CACFP reimbursement allows us to afford to purchase the healthiest and most nutritious foods available in our area," said Cydney Walter, director of Purple Puppy Nursery School Inc., a CACFP sponsor in Auburn.

In addition to providing meals for children, CACFP also offers reimbursements for meals served to adults aged 60 and older or those living with disabilities enrolled in day care programs. This portion is administered by the Illinois Department of Aging.

In accordance with federal civil rights law, this institution prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities requiring alternative communication methods should contact relevant state or local agencies or USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600.

To file a discrimination complaint regarding this program, individuals should complete a USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (Form AD-3027), available online or from any USDA office. Complaints can be submitted via mail to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in Washington D.C., faxed at 833-256-1665 or (202) 690-7442, or emailed to program.intake@usda.gov.

For more resources from ISBE's Nutrition Department, visit www.isbe.net/nutrition.