|
Welcome to the New Jersey Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) |
|
*****Parents - Locate a Child Nutrition Provider Near You!!!*****
|
(If you are RENEWING YOUR APPLICATION, please use
the
EXISTING USER LOG-ON link on the left side of the page.)
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
The CACFP provides reimbursement for well-balanced, nutritious meals served to individuals
enrolled in day care centers, Family Day Care Homes (FDCH), after school programs,
emergency shelters, and/or head start programs. Funding is provided to the New Jersey
State Department of Agriculture (state agency) from the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) based on claims submitted by program participants.
|
|
|
|
|
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? |
|
|
|
|
The CACFP is available to public and private nonprofit organizations providing licensed or registered
non-residential day care services. Such organizations include child care centers,
FDCH Sponsors, outside school hours care centers, organizations providing day care
services for children with disabilities and/or special health care needs, and adult
care centers. Also, private for profit centers may qualify if they receive
compensation under Title XX/XIX of the Social Security Act for at least 25 percent
of the participants who are receiving non-residential care, or 25% of their participants
qualify for free or reduced-price meal benefits.
|
|
|
|
|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
|
|
|
|
1. |
WHAT MEALS CAN I SERVE AND EXPECT REIMBURSEMENT FOR UNDER THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM? |
|
|
Centers and Homes may be reimbursed for three meal services (two meals and one snack or two
snacks and one meal) per day per participant. |
|
|
|
|
2. |
HOW MUCH REIMBURSEMENT MAY I EXPECT? |
|
|
Reimbursement rates are announced annually and are based on the Consumer Price Index.
Institutions are reimbursed based on the family size and income of the participant's
family. Sponsoring organizations of family day care homes are also paid administrative
fees.
|
|
|
|
|
3. |
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A REIMBURSABLE MEAL? |
|
|
Each meal has a component and quantity requirement. Breakfast must contain
a fruit or vegetable, grains/breads, or grains/breads alternative, and fluid milk;
lunch/supper must contain a meat or meat alternative, two or more vegetables and/or
fruits, grains/breads or grains/breads alternative, and fluid milk; supplements
must contain two of the four lunch components. Quantities vary according to
the age of the participants being served. Specific component and quantity information
is contained in the CACFP Training Manual and the Food Buying Guide. Quantity
and components vary by program.
|
|
|
|
|
4. |
ARE THERE SPECIFIC TIMES I MUST SERVE MEALS? |
|
|
You must serve meals at regularly scheduled times each day. If there are changes
on the schedule of the meal service(s), you must notify the state agency; in the
case of FDCHs, your sponsor must be notified to comply with CACFP's requirements.
|
|
|
|
|
5. |
WHAT RECORDS MUST I KEEP? |
|
|
Whether you are independent or a sponsored organization, you must ensure compliance
with all USDA rules and regulations. The state agency needs accurate daily
records on your meal service in order to reimburse you. These records include:
(1) The names and daily attendance of enrolled children. (2) The
eligibility of each child. (3) Receipts for all food service purchases (if
meals are prepared at the institution). (4) Daily menus for each meal
type you serve that clearly show each food item. Production records are required
indicating the quantity of food prepared in measurable units. (5) The number
of meals you serve (by type) daily to enrolled participants, adults working with
the food service, and visitors. All records must be maintained for three (3)
years after the fiscal year to which they pertain.
|
|
|
|
|
6. |
DO I NEED TRAINING?
|
|
|
Yes, you must understand USDA requirements for the program to operate smoothly.
Training of the food service staff must include information on:. 1) meal pattern
requirements. 2) reimbursement process. 3) accurate meal counts. 4)
claims submission. 5) record keeping.
|
|
|
|
|
7. |
WILL I HAVE VISITORS? WHAT WILL THEY BE LOOKING FOR? |
|
|
Representatives of federal and state administering agencies and the sponsoring organization
(if applicable) observe and will work with the staff in your organization to improve
your operation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You may contact CACFP by writing to: New Jersey Dept of Agriculture, 22 S. Clinton Avenue; 3rd floor Trenton, NJ 08609, or you may call (609) 984-1250.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution
is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, age, or disability.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866)
632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities
may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136
(Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
|