(Media release from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning):
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) this week announced the agency is seeking applications from eligible facilities who are interested in participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
Funded by the USDA and administered by DECAL’s Nutrition Services Division, the CACFP provides cash reimbursement to eligible institutions for serving healthy, affordable meals to children and Adults over 60 years old who are enrolled for care. Approved organizations receive a monthly reimbursement, as determined annually by the USDA, to help cover expenses for meals and snacks.
Organizations that may qualify to participate in CACFP include:
- Child care centers serving meals and snacks to children who are enrolled for care.
- Licensed Family Child Care Learning Centers participating under a sponsoring organization.
- Head Start Programs serving meals and snacks to enrolled children.
- After school care sites providing programming and snacks for low-income school age children and youth.
- Emergency shelters providing temporary residence and food service to children.
- Adult day care centers providing structured, comprehensive services to nonresident adults who are functionally impaired and/or 60 years of age or older.
DECAL’s Director of Nutrition Services, Tamika Boone encourages eligible organizations to apply to participate in the nutrition assistance program that helps Georgian’s thrive. “CACFP ensures children and older adults have access to foods that support good health and well-being.” She added, “CACFP also plays a vital role in improving the quality of day care as well as making it more affordable for many low-income families.”
Federal income guidelines determine a participant’s eligibility for free and reduced-price meals through the CACFP. Children who receive benefits through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) are automatically eligible to receive free meals through the CACFP.
Adults who receive SNAP benefits, FDPIR benefits, or Social Security Income (SSI) or are Medicaid participants are categorically eligible for free meals.
To learn more about participating in the CACFP, contact Cindy Kicklighter at cindy.kicklighter@decal.ga.gov or call 678- 841-3170. To find a CACFP facility or sponsor, visit the DECAL website at http://www.decal.ga.gov/Nutrition/Search.aspx. Use the search function (zip code or county) for a list of all local facilities and sponsors, addresses, maps, contact names, and phone numbers.
