How to Apply

Consider participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program!

CACFP is a federal program that provides reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks served

to participants. In Indiana, CACFP is administered by the Indiana Department of Education.

Why CACFP?

Provides funding to supplement the cost of healthy meals and snacks.
Teaches children at an early age a healthier way of eating that will last a lifetime.
Gives parents and caregivers confidence knowing that you are invested in the health and well-being of their children.
Offers guidance in menu planning and recipe ideas.
Offers technical assistance and consultation to assist in your program’s success.
Ready-to-use parent and family information to encourage healthy eating in and out of the childcare setting.

Check out this quick video to learn more about CACFP.

Participation Options

*Center-type Facilities (two ways to participate)**		Family Childcare Homes
Apply through a sponsoring organization:	Apply as your own sponsor through IDOE:	Must apply through a sponsoring organization:
Average two-week application Fewer recordkeeping requirements Less financial responsibility Reimbursement at 85% of claimed meals	Average three-month application Full financial and administrative responsibility Responsible for all record-keeping and reporting Reimbursement at 100% of claimed meals	Average two-week application Few recordkeeping requirements Reimbursement is calculated separate from sponsoring organization and based on Tier 1 (low-income) and Tier II eligibility
*Center-type facilities include childcare centers, ministries, head start, adult day cares, emergency shelters, at-risk afterschool meals programs, and outside school hours programs.

Application Process to Apply Through a Sponsoring Organization

Contact the sponsoring organizations in your county to learn about their organization and application procedure:

Application Process to Apply as your Own Sponsor Through IDOE

Step 1 Complete the New Sponsor trainings. You will need to create a user account to access the trainings.
- CACFP New Sponsor training
- CACFP Performance Standards training
Step 2 Submit the eligibility questionnaire; After completion you will receive an email within a week to schedule a TEAMS meeting to discuss the application process & next steps with a CACFP team member. CACFP Policy 03-06
Step 3 Complete initial documents
Step 4 Submit online application through CNPweb, CACFP Implementation Task and Requirements, and Required Documents
Step 6 Pre-approval visit with a field specialist
Step 7 Final Approval. If your institution receives approval, you may begin participating in CACFP. If not approved, continue working with the CACFP team on the application.

For questions regarding the CACFP application process, contact cacfp@doe.in.gov.

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