Child and Adult Care Food Program: Understanding the Guidelines
What are the requirements for participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program?
1. At least what percentage of children in a care home or facility must receive child care assistance or qualify for free or reduced lunch to allow participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program?
2. How can picky eaters become more adventurous eaters?
3. Are meat alternatives allowed in USDA food plans?
4. Who is required to be a sponsoring organization?
5. Are child care providers required to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program?
6. What are the record keeping requirements for participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program?
7. What is the purpose of family meal style in child care facilities?
8. When are infant meals reimbursable?
9. Can children practice manners and self-care skills in family-style meals?
10. When should infants begin solid foods?
11. Are centers not participating in food programs subject to food regulations?
12. What are the effects of pre-plated meals?
Answers for the Child and Adult Care Food Program Guidelines
1. 10%
2. B. Family style meals
3. B. False
4. B. For child care homes participating in the CACFP
5. B. False
6. E. Menus, Meal Counts, Attendance records & cost documentation
7. C. Offer children a variety of learning opportunities
8. A. Regardless of who provides formula or breast milk
9. A. True
10. C. They are developmentally ready and parents indicate a desire to start solids
11. B. False
12. B. Decrease food waste
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federal program that provides nutritious meals and snacks to children in child care settings. One of the key requirements for participating in the program is that at least 10% of children in a care home or facility must receive child care assistance or qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Picky eaters can become more adventurous eaters by participating in family-style meals, where they are encouraged to try new foods and are not limited to only their favorite foods. Meat alternatives are allowed in USDA food plans, contrary to popular belief.
A sponsoring organization is required for child care homes participating in the CACFP. Child care providers are not required to participate in the program, but those who do must adhere to record-keeping requirements, including menus, meal counts, attendance records, and cost documentation.
Family meal style in child care facilities offers children a variety of learning opportunities and encourages them to try new foods. Infant meals are reimbursable regardless of who provides formula or breast milk, and children can practice manners and self-care skills during family-style meals.
Infants should begin solid foods when they are developmentally ready and parents indicate a desire to start solids. Centers not participating in food programs are still subject to food regulations. Pre-plated meals can decrease food waste and enable children to clean up after themselves, promoting independence and control over their meals.