CACFP Regulations and Guidance
FY27 Area Eligibility Map
USDA announced that the CACFP and SFSP Area Eligibility Mapper has been updated for fiscal year 2027. Area eligibility is used to determine the tier of family child care homes in the CACFP, as well as the eligibility of CACFP At-Risk Afterschool sites and SFSP summer site.
Read MoreSimplified Geographic Preference Procurement
For CACFP operators looking to purchase locally grown, raised, or caught foods, this guidance outlines the minor changes made by the final rule and provides an overview of geographic preference options.
Read MoreFinal Rule: Simplified Geographic Preference Procurement
USDA has released a final rule on Simplified Geographic Preference Procurement in Child Nutrition Programs. The rule does not create new requirements or change existing policy, Instead, the rule makes some terminology changes and provides clarification on existing requirements.
Read More2026-2027 CACFP Reimbursement Rates
USDA has released the Reimbursement Rates for 2026-2027. Rates are effective from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Read More2026-2027 Cash In Lieu Value of Donated Foods
The USDA has released the cash-in-lieu value of USDA foods for 2026-2027. The value has increased by one and a half cents.
Read MoreEnsuring Integrity in Non-Congregate Meal Service in the SFSP
USDA released guidance with recommendations for State agencies to ensure program integrity for non-congregate meals in the SFSP.
Read MoreExpanding Fluid Milk Options in CNPs
USDA released guidance on the implementation of the Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs Final Rule. As of June 8, 2026, all CACFP operators have the flexibility to serve whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free milk to all participants ages two and up in their programs.
Read MoreFinal Rule: Expanding Fluid Milk Options in CNPs
USDA released a final rule that allows whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk to be offered to participants ages two and up in the CACFP, National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Special Milk Program (SMP).
Read MoreIncorporating 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.
Read MorePromoting 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.
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