Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted CACFP Sponsor in Tacoma, WA
Child & Adult Food Program has served Tacoma and Pierce County communities since 1964, delivering high-quality programs that promote self-sufficiency and poverty reduction. As sponsors of the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) since 1977, we provide critical nutrition support through reimbursement for meals served in licensed childcare settings. Our team combines decades of childcare experience with specialized nutrition expertise to support providers in maintaining USDA compliance while ensuring children receive balanced meals.We offer comprehensive training, home visits, and technical assistance to licensed in-home daycares, daycare centers, and emergency shelters across eight Washington counties. Our services include cash reimbursement for nutritious meals, menu planning guidance, and annual training that qualifies for MERIT credits, all while maintaining strict adherence to federal civil rights and non-discrimination policies.
Services
Meal Reimbursement
Nutrition Training
Menu Planning
Home Visits
MERIT Credits
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- Serving childcare providers since 1977 as CACFP sponsors
- Specialized support across 8 Washington State counties
- Comprehensive training with MERIT credit qualification
- Experienced staff with childcare and nutrition expertise
- Commitment to USDA compliance and nutrition standards
Associations and certifications
- USDA
Services
Meal Reimbursement
Our meal reimbursement program provides cash payments for nutritious meals served in licensed childcare settings. Providers receive Tier 1 or Tier 2 rates based on location poverty levels and family income eligibility. The program covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks with reimbursement rates updated annually by USDA guidelines.
Nutrition Training
We offer comprehensive nutrition training including USDA compliance requirements, menu planning, and meal crediting. Training options include home visits, online resources, and annual in-person sessions that qualify for MERIT credits. Our staff provides ongoing support for maintaining proper nutrition standards.
Home Visits
Our team conducts home visits to assist providers with record keeping, menu planning, and USDA compliance. These visits include personalized guidance for documentation requirements and nutrition standards. We help providers establish proper systems for claiming meals and maintaining program requirements.
MERIT Credits
Annual training sessions qualify for MERIT credits required by Washington State childcare licensing. Our courses cover USDA meal patterns, nutrition requirements, and program compliance. Providers receive documentation for completed training hours that count toward professional development requirements.
Menu Planning
We provide detailed menu planning assistance to ensure compliance with USDA nutritional standards. Our resources include kid-tested recipes, portion size guidelines, and meal pattern requirements. Staff help providers create balanced menus that qualify for reimbursement while meeting children's nutritional needs.
Questions
What childcare providers qualify for the CACFP?
Licensed in-home daycares, daycare centers, and emergency shelters serving children up to age 19 qualify for our meal reimbursement program.
How are reimbursement rates determined?
Rates depend on location poverty levels and family income, with Tier 1 rates applying to areas with 50%+ free/reduced meal participation or 40-50%+ poverty census data.
What meals qualify for reimbursement?
Providers receive reimbursement for breakfast, AM snack, lunch, PM snack, dinner, and evening snack with proper documentation of attendance and menus.
Do you offer training for new participants?
We provide comprehensive training including home visits, online resources, and annual sessions that qualify for MERIT credits.
How do providers submit claims?
Providers can submit claims online through our KidKare system or use written claim forms with support available via phone, email, and in-person visits.
