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USDA released a memorandum providing guidance to help state agencies recognize warning signs of potential fraud and respond quickly when improper claiming practices are suspected. The guidance reinforces the importance of strong program oversight, accurate recordkeeping, and timely corrective action to protect CACFP funding and maintain public trust.
USDA issued guidance encouraging State agencies to strengthen their review of organizations seeking to participate in the CACFP. The memorandum emphasizes thorough screening, documentation, and oversight during the application process to prevent fraud, waste, and program abuse while ensuring that only qualified organizations are approved to operate the Program.
USDA released a memorandum emphasizing the critical role of recordkeeping in maintaining the integrity of the CACFP. The guidance reminds state agencies and CACFP operators that complete, accurate, and timely records are essential to support reimbursement claims, demonstrate viability, capability, and accountability (VCA), and protect program funds from misuse.
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.
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.