CACFP Regulations and Guidance
2025-2026 Cash In Lieu Value
The USDA has released the cash-in-lieu value of USDA foods for 2025-2026. The value has increased by half a cent.
Read More2025-2026 CACFP Reimbursement Rates
The USDA has released the Reimbursement Rates for 2025-2026. Rates are effective from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Read MoreUSDA and HHS Notice: CNPs and Head Start as Federal Public Benefit
USDA and HHS each released a notice stating that many programs under the jurisdiction of both departments are now interpreted as “Federal Public Benefits,” including all CNPs and Head Start. The notices aim to address whether citizenship or qualified immigration status must be verified in order for a child to participate in these federal programs.
Read MoreUSDA Rescinds Guidance on Interpretation of Discrimination Based on Sex
The USDA released a memorandum rescinding 2022 guidance regarding the interpretation of discrimination based on “sex.” The 2022 guidance redefined the definition of “sex” to include gender identity and sexual orientation. Therefore, the rescission of this guidance will revert USDA’s definition back to its previous interpretation and omit mention of gender identity and sexual orientation.
Read MoreEnhancing Child Nutrition Program Meal Standards
The USDA released a memorandum stating that they support and encourage states and school districts to experiment with meals to provide interesting, healthy, and diverse meals.
Read MoreFinal Rule: Rescission of Obsolete Data Collection
On May 12, 2025, USDA released a final rule titled Child and Adult Care Food Program: Rescission of Obsolete Data Collection Requirements. The final rule removes section 226.25(g) from the Code of Federal Regulation. This regulation required State agencies to collect and report data related to participating institutions during fiscal years 2006-2009.
Read MoreUsing Federal Funds to Purchase Local Foods
USDA released a memorandum to remind schools, sponsors, and institutions participating in any Child Nutrition Program (CNP) of the many ways they can purchase local foods to serve in Program meals.
Read MoreRegistered Dietitian Medical Statements
The USDA released a memorandum to clarify the updated regulatory requirement for program operators to accept medical statements from registered dietitians. The change requiring program operators to accept medical statements from registered dietitians must be implemented by July 1, 2025, for school meal programs and Oct. 1, 2025, for CACFP.
Read MoreUSDA Request for Information: CNP Tribal Pilot Project
On December 23, 2024, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service released a request for information (RFI) to inform their development of the Child Nutrition Programs Tribal Pilot Projects, as authorized in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. The Act provided $2 million for Tribal Pilot Projects that will permit Indian Tribes and/or Tribal organizations to administer Child Nutrition Programs, assuming the roles and responsibilities typically held by State agencies.
Read MoreFeeding Infants in the CACFP: Updated Guidance
USDA updated previous guidance on Feeding Infants in the CACFP. Updates include information on medical statements, substituting vegetables for grains in specific groups, added sugar limits, and tofu and tempeh crediting.
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