CACFP Regulations and Guidance
Ensuring 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.
Read MoreDietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 – Eat Real Food
USDA released a memo outlining some of the key updates included in the 2020-2030 DGAs. While USDA emphasizes that CACFP and SFSP operators familiarize themselves with the recommendations, there are no immediate changes to program requirements. Operators must continue to follow current CACFP and SFSP meal pattern requirements
Read MoreFY26 Area Eligibility Map Updated
Back to Blog Back to Blog FY26 Area Eligibility Map Updated September 29, 2025 USDA announced that the CACFP and SFSP Area Eligibility Mapper has been updated for fiscal year 2026. Why It Matters Census data and school data are the two primary sources that may be used to determine whether a site is area…
Read More2025-2026 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.
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