Quarterly Policy Update: April 2026
April 22, 2026
Over the past few months, USDA has released three pieces of guidance about local procurement, program integrity, and the Dietary Guidelines. In addition, USDA published the income eligibility guidelines for 2026-2027, as well as an updated Crediting Handbook for CACFP. USDA also announced the list of grantees for its FY26 Farm to School Grant program. Keep reading to see what you’ve missed and stay up to date with CACFP policy!
USDA Updates
FY26 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants Awarded
The Farm to School Grant Program connects farmers to children by incorporating local foods into school meals, summer meals, and child care settings. USDA announced the first cohort of its FY 2026 grantees, awarding grants to 52 projects. USDA stated that additional FY 2026 grants will be awarded in the future.
On-Demand Webinar: Suspension in the CACFP
As part of their series of webinars to minimize fraud, waste and abuse, USDA has released a webinar recording about Suspension in the CACFP. This training was designed for State agencies but has useful information for all operators of the program about the suspension process.
Updated Crediting Handbook
USDA Team Nutrition released a revision to the Crediting Handbook for the CACFP, which provides information on current meal patterns, guidance and more. Some of the new additions include crediting tips in each meal component section, a flow chart for determining creditable grains and a quick reference chart for meats/meat alternates.
2026-2027 Income Eligibility Guidelines
USDA released its annual adjustment to the Income Eligibility Guidelines, which will be used in determining eligibility for free and reduced-price meals for the period from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 – Eat Real Food
USDA released a memorandum outlining some of the key updates included in the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). While USDA encourages CACFP and SFSP operators to familiarize themselves with the recommendations, they emphasize that there are no immediate changes to program requirements and operators must continue to follow current CACFP and SFSP meal pattern requirements. USDA states that they are actively working on a proposed rule and no meal pattern changes will be in effect until a final rule is published.
Promoting Stronger Program Integrity and Oversight in the CACFP
USDA sent a memorandum to CACFP State agency Directors outlining the importance of program integrity and recommending oversight strategies to prevent fraud, waste and abuse. USDA tells State agencies to make efforts to increase oversight through the following strategies:
- Implement a thorough onboarding process and regular review of institution information
- Provide timely and effective training for institutions throughout the fiscal year
- Create written monitoring policies and implement criteria for routine monitoring of high-risk institutions
- Implement the serious deficiency and suspension processes as required
- Review reimbursement claims carefully
Incorporating Local Beef into CNP Meals
USDA released a memo outlining opportunities within current CACFP and SFSP regulations for operators to procure and use local beef in their creditable meals. The release of the memo is in response to the 2025-2030 DGA recommendation to prioritize protein foods. The memo does not make any changes to current requirements of the CACFP and SFSP; it simply outlines resources to help operators source and serve local beef.
For more information contact policy@cacfp.org.