Illinois Served Over 85.6 Million Meals and Snacks to Children Through Child and Adult Care Food Program in Fiscal Year 2024

​SPRINGFIELD-The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today announced that Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) sponsors across Illinois served more than 85.6 million nutritious meals and snacks to children in fiscal year 2024. This federal program, administered by ISBE and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), helps ensure children in participating child care centers, day care homes, after-school programs, and emergency shelters receive healthy meals at no extra cost.

Oct. 1 marks the start of the period when CAFCP sponsors renew their applications to continue operating the program for the coming year. The FY 2025 Income Eligibility Guidelines, updated annually by the USDA, determine eligibility for reimbursements that support nutritious meals and snacks. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check with their child care providers to see if they participate in CACFP.

"Good nutrition is the foundation for healthy growth and child development," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "The Child and Adult Care Food Program ensures that children across Illinois, regardless of their family's financial situation, have access to the nourishment they need. We're grateful to the dedicated child care centers and organizations that make this program possible and help build a healthier future for our state's youngest learners."

There are currently about 750 CACFP sponsors across Illinois. Program sponsors use a direct certification process and applications to determine eligibility and reimbursement data. Families may be asked to provide income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program information. For information about becoming a new applicant to operate the program, visit the ISBE Nutrition Department's New Applicants webpage.

"The CACFP reimbursement allows us to afford to purchase the healthiest and most nutritious foods available in our area. Without the extra financial support, we would find that very difficult," said Cydney Walter, the director of the Purple Puppy Nursery School Inc., a child care center and CACFP sponsor in Auburn. "The nutrition requirements demand that low-sugar and low-fat products be used. All of this, including the financial support and high nutrition standards, assures that the children attending are served healthy meals."

CACFP not only provides meals for children enrolled in participating child care centers and day cares, but also for youth in after-school programs and children living in emergency shelters. In addition to providing meals for children, CACFP also offers reimbursements for meals served to adults aged 60 and older, or adults living with disabilities, enrolled in day care programs. The Illinois Department of Aging administers this portion of the program.

Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (Form AD-3027), which can be obtained online USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (Form AD-3027), from any USDA office, by calling 866-632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant's name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the assistant secretary for civil rights about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. Mail:
   U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
   
2. Fax: 833-256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
   
3. Email: [email protected]

Please visit www.isbe.net/nutrition for What's New? announcements and resources from the ISBE Nutrition Department.

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