.png)
What is CACFP? The Child and Adult Care Food Program for Daycares, Preschools, Afterschool Supper, and Senior Care
- 9 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a vital USDA initiative that reimburses providers for serving CACFP compliant meals and snacks that meet CACFP meal patterns and child care nutrition standards. It supports positive development by delivering healthy food to children in childcare centers, family day care homes, afterschool programs, and emergency shelters, as well as adults in day care settings.
By building positive eating habits early and supporting nutrition needs across ages, CACFP helps reduce food insecurity, long-term health costs, and provides training/resources to care teams.
Nationally, the program serves billions of CACFP meals each year—delivering around 1.7 billion meals and snacks annually to approximately 4.4 million children and 116,000 adults on an average day. Thousands of childcare centers, family providers, and sponsors partner together to deliver high-quality nutrition and enriching
experiences.
Why CACFP Matters: Benefits of Nutritious Meals for Children & Seniors
Participating providers deliver nutritionally superior meals compared to non-CACFP settings, helping children grow healthier and stronger. Kids in these programs get early nutrition education that builds lifelong positive eating habits, while the program plays a key role in reducing food insecurity and promoting better health outcomes over time.
Families and caregivers across America benefit from peace of mind: children enjoy balanced meals, healthy snacks for preschool, and nourishing afterschool supper programs that fuel energy for learning and play—leading to fewer illnesses, less fatigue, and happier kids. For senior care programs, adults receive tailored, nutrient-rich meals that support wellness and independence in nonresidential day care settings.
What is National CACFP Week? Celebrating CACFP Meals and Child Care Nutrition Standards
National CACFP Week (March 15–21, 2026) raises awareness of the USDA's Child and Adult Care Food Program and its vital role in fighting hunger. It celebrates how CACFP provides wholesome meals to childcare centers, family homes, afterschool supper programs, and adult day care for seniors and impaired adults.
This year's theme, Stirring Up Goodness (celebrated March 15–21, 2026), spotlights the positive ripple effects of CACFP—one nourishing meal at a time—and honors the dedicated people who make it all happen.
As a trusted provider of CACFP-compliant meals for preschools, daycares, afterschool programs, and partners serving senior care across Southeast Michigan and Michigan, we proudly deliver CACFP compliant meals packed with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk—while limiting saturated fats and added sugars—to meet the highest child care nutrition standards and adult needs.
Ready to explore CACFP or see how your center can participate in this vital program? Click here for more details on CACFP Michigan participation: Child and Adult Care Food Program | Food and Nutrition Service
For National CACFP Week resources, activity ideas, and ways to get involved, click here: National CACFP Week - National CACFP Association
We're proud to stir up goodness right here in Michigan—one healthy plate at a time!
