Eligible programs include non-residential, licensed or approved, public or private non-profit child care centers. Preschools, Head Starts, and outside-school-hours programs meeting the CACFP requirements are also eligible.
Eligible Participants
- Infants through 12 years of age
- Children of migrant workers 15 years of age and under
- Mentally or physically handicapped persons, as defined by the State, enrolled in an institution or a child care facility serving a majority of persons 18 years and under.
Center Responsibilities
- To serve meals meeting program requirements, and to maintain required records which include:
- daily attendance
- enrollment
- menus
- meal count records
- menu production records
- documentation of food service expenses and labor costs
- documentation of eligibility for each child claimed
- title XX records
Meal Pattern Requirements
The following food groups must be served to all children. Portion requirements will vary according to the age. 
Breakfast
| Food Group | # of Servings |
|---|---|
| Bread/Grain | 1 |
| Fruit or Vegetable | 1 |
| Milk | 1 |
Lunch or Supper
| Food Group | # of Servings |
|---|---|
| Meat | 1 |
| Fruit and/or Vegetable | 2 |
| Bread/Grain | 1 |
| Milk | 1 |
Snacks
Food from any two of the four food groups identified under lunch/supper.
Eligible Meals
Centers may be authorized to serve up to six meals, but may only be reimbursed for two meals and one snack or two snacks and one meal per child per day.
Feeding Infants
When claiming infants for reimbursement, a special infant meal pattern must be followed. An infant meal count sheet and infant feeding record must be maintained daily.
Reimbursement
Reimbursement rates for meals and/or snacks served to children in attendance are announced annually by USDA based on changes in the Consumer Price Index of the preceding year. From these rates, a “blended rate” is established every fiscal year. The blended rate is based on the income level and household size of each enrolled child. The higher the number of low income children, the higher the blended rate and reimbursement.
Training
At least one staff member responsible for the operation of the CACFP is required to attend three training workshops before an organization can submit an application. The State agency will process and approve complete applications within 30 days. Workshops are held monthly free of charge for new sponsors and/or new personnel. These workshops cover the application process, all recordkeeping requirements, and menu planning for the CACFP.
Nutrition Education
Nutrition education resources are made available to centers through the office of Child Nutrition programs and the Arizona Prevention Resource Center (APRC). Contact APRC at (602) 727-2772 or toll free 1-800-432-2772.
If you have any further questions about the Child and Adult Care Food Program please contact:
Arizona Department of Education
Child Nutrition Programs
(602) 542-8700
1-800-352-4558
The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
