Child Care Food Program

Program Type: USDA reimbursement program for licensed child care providers

Geographic Scope: Crawford-Sebastian counties, AR

Overview:
The Child Care Food Program reimburses registered and licensed day care homes for providing nutritious meals and snacks to children in care. This is part of the National School Lunch Act.

Eligibility

• Registered and licensed day care homes
• For-profit or non-profit centers with 25% or more free/reduced children in care
• Licensed Title XX Centers

Reimbursement Rates (effective July 1, 2020)

Tier I (if home is in elementary school district with 50%+ free/reduced meals, low-income census area, OR provider/parent income at/below 185% federal poverty guidelines):

• Breakfast: $1.39
• Lunch & Supper: $2.61
• Supplement: $0.78

Tier II (all others):

• Breakfast: $0.50
• Lunch & Supper: $1.58
• Supplement: $0.21

Monthly reimbursement: $35-$60 per full-time child (based on 2 meals and 1 snack)

Program Benefits

• Reimbursement for meal costs
• Increased earnings
• Individual help with menu planning and record-keeping
• Access to Child Care Resources and Referral Services
• Nutrition training and newsletters

How to Apply

1. Contact Beverly Vaughn at 479-785-2303 ext. 212 or [email protected] to schedule an appointment
2. CSCDC staff will set up an in-home appointment at your convenience
3. Staff will provide training on:
   • Menu planning using USDA approved foods
   • Record-keeping procedures
   • Nutrition requirements
4. You will receive menu and record-keeping forms
5. Submit daily records (requires only a few minutes per day)

Required Documentation

• Proof of valid child care license/registration
• Income documentation (if applying for Tier I)
• Census area information verification