CACFP Memos
The following documents are policy memoranda created by Bright from the Start to provide further clarification of
CACFP
regulations and/or
FNS
guidance.
PolicyStat, an online policy management system, is available to CACFP and Happy Helpings (SFSP) organizations, members of the public, and DECAL staff, for locating and accessing Nutrition policy documents more quickly. To access PolicyStat, please click the link below.
PolicyStat
ADULT DAY CARE
AT-RISK AFTERSCHOOL
DCH
CACFP GENERAL INFORMATION
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Unique Entity Identifier Application Requirements - July 1, 2024
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Initial Implementation Memorandum: Child Nutrition Program Integrity Final Rule, August 23, 2023
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Unique Entity Identifier Transition, April 3, 2023
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DECAL Disaster Preparedness Guidance, February 7, 2023
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Promoting Access to Voting through the Child Nutrition Programs
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CACFP Nationwide Waivers Due to COVID-19, March 23, 2020
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Farm Bill Implementation Memo: Donated Traditional Foods and Civil Liability, August 22, 2019
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Child Nutrition Program Waiver Request Guidance and Protocol (Revised) – July 13, 2018
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Providing Child Nutrition Program Benefits to Disaster Survivor Evacuees – March 15, 2018
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Using Federal Funds to Support FoodCorps Service Members - August 16, 2016
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New Web-based USDA-National Disqualified List (NDL) Information - June 8, 2015
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Voluntary Menu Labeling in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs - June 8, 2015
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Rural Development's Community Facilities Program - August 25, 2014
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Guidance Related to the ADA Amendments Act - May 24, 2013
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Child Nutrition Reauthorization - Regulatory Changes - May 16, 2011
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Child Nutrition Reauthorization 2010 - Regulatory Changes for CACFP- February 17, 2011
CIVIL RIGHTS
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Q&A Related to Collection of Race & Ethnicity Data by Visual Observation & Identification in the CACFP & SFSP Programs, Policy Rescission, Set 2, August 26, 2024
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Requirements for Institutions Providing Civil Rights Training to Frontline Staff (v.4) – September 22, 2023
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Civil Rights Complaint Procedures (v.5) – September 23, 2022
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Application of Bostock v. Clayton County to Program Discrimination Complaint Processing, May 5, 2022
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Questions and Answers Related to CRD 01-2022 Application of Bostock v. Clayton County to Program
Discrimination Complaint Processing, May 5, 2022
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Equal Opportunity Public Notification Policy (Revised ) - November 12, 2015
ELIGIBILITY
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Area Eligibility in Child Nutrition Programs, October 27, 2023
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Requirements for Obtaining a Food Service Permit – June 29, 2023
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Area Eligibility in Child Nutrition Programs, June 29, 2023
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Area Eligibility for Summer 2022 and School Year 2022-2023 - June 29, 2023
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Best Practices for Streamlining Applications for Year-Round Program Operations, June 12, 2023
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Criminal Records Check Application –Revised February 26, 2018
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Changes to the Eligibility of Day Care Homes' and Group Day Care Homes’ Participating in the CACFP - December 21, 2015
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Health and Safety Inspection Requirements - January 30, 2015
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Criminal Background Check Requirements - August 20, 2014
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Employment Eligibility Verification - August 20, 2014
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Streamlined Application Processes in the CACFP for School Food Authorities - August 20, 2014
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Tax Exempt Status for Private Non-Profit Organizations and Churches in CACFP and SFSP - January 23, 2014
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Adult Care Eligibility Requirements Q & A - July 2007
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Eligibility of Emergency/Homeless Shelters - July 19, 2006
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Informal Providers - November 07, 2003
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Clarification of term "Provider's Own" - May 15, 2000
HEAD START PROGRAMS
MEALS/FOOD SERVICE
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Offer Versus Serve and Family Style Meals in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, November 15, 2024
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Guidance for Accepting Processed Product Documentation for Meal Pattern Requirements, November 7, 2024
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Substituting Vegetables for Grains in American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Tribal Communities, October 30, 2024
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Nutrition Requirements for Fluid Milk and Fluid Milk Substitutions in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, Questions and Answers, October 28, 2024
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Meal Pattern Updates due to 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans - June 28, 2024
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Smoothies Offered in Child Nutrition Programs with Questions and Answers, June 28, 2024
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Questions and Answers on the Updated Meal Pattern Requirements for the Child and Adult Care Food Program, June 28, 2024
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Feeding Infants and Meal Pattern Requirements in the Child and Adult Care Food Program; Questions and Answers (Revised September 2023), June 28, 2024
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Grain Requirements in the Child and Adult Care Food Program; Questions and Answers, June 28, 2024
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Initial Implementation Memorandum: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, May 14, 2024
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Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024: Effect on Child Nutrition Programs, May 14, 2024
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Crediting Tofu and Soy Yogurt Products in the School Meals Programs, CACFP, and SFSP (Revised November 2023), November 29, 2023
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Crediting Traditional Indigenous Foods in Child Nutrition Programs, November 1, 2023
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Clarification of Allowable Flexibilities for Child Nutrition Programs Experiencing Milk Supply Shortages, October 25, 2023
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Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023: Effect on Child Nutrition Programs, March 3, 2023
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Creditability of Infant Formulas Imported Through the FDA’s 2022 Infant Enforcement Discretion Policy in the CACFP - October 13, 2022
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The Use of Vending Machines in School Food Authority CACFP At-Risk
Afterschool Meals Programs - July 15, 2022
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Policy and Procedures for Reclaiming Meals due to a Milk Shortage - July 8, 2022 (v.5)
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Optional Best Practices to Further Improve Nutrition in the Child and Adult Care Food Program Meal Pattern - July 8, 2022 (v.2)
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Questions and Answers Guidance on the Final Rule Child Nutrition Programs: Transitional Standards for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium, Effective July 1, 2022
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Questions and Answers Regarding the 2022 Infant Formula Shortage in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, June 17, 2022
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Expiring Flexibility Guidance Regarding the Updated CACFP Meal Patterns, August 16, 2021
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Flexibility Guidance_Updated CACFP Meal Pattern (v.2) - October 1, 2020
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Child Nutrition Program Meal Service during Novel Coronavirus Outbreaks, April 1, 2020
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Meal Service During Unanticipated School Closures, March 13, 2020
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Delayed Implementation of Grains Ounce Equivalents in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), October 23, 2019
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Final Rule Child Nutrition Programs: Flexibilities for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Requirements, with Questions and Answers, October 21, 2019 (v.2)
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Crediting Coconut, Hominy, Corn Masa, and Masa Harina in the CNPs, September 13, 2019 (v.2)
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Offer versus Serve Guidance for School Food Authorities (SFAs) Participating in the CACFP and the SFSP – March 28, 2019 (v.3)
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Crediting Shelf-Stable, Dried and Semi-Dried Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Products, May 17, 2019
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Crediting Popcorn in the CNPs, May 17, 2019
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Crediting Surimi Seafood in the CNPs, May 17, 2019
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Crediting Tempeh in the CNPs, May 17, 2019
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Crediting Pasta Products Made of Vegetable Flour in the CNPs, May 17, 2019
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Update of Food Crediting System to Include Various Food Items Which Were Previously Uncreditable - December 28, 2018
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Requirements for Obtaining a Food Service Permit – January 26, 2018
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Grain Requirements in the CACFP with Q&A (revised) – November 3, 2017
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Program Flexibilities in the CACFP and SFSP during Disaster Situations – September 9, 2017
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Flexibility for Co-Mingled Preschool Meals: Questions and Answers – August 21, 2017
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DECAL Revised Forms to Reflect the CACFP Updated Meal Pattern Requirements – August 21, 2017
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Grain-Based Desserts in the CACFP – July 28, 2017
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Modifications to Accommodate Disabilities in the CACFP and SFSP - July 24, 2017
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Transition Period for the Updated CACFP Meal Patterns - June 5, 2017
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CACFP Updated Meal Pattern On-line Resources - May 3, 2017
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Taking Food Components Offsite in the At-Risk Afterschool Component of the CACFP – May 3, 2017
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Vegetable and Fruit Requirements in the CACFP, with Questions and Answers – May 3, 2017
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Water Availability in the CACFP – September 1, 2016
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Implementation of the Updated CACFP Meal Pattern Requirements - July 21, 2016
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The Use of Share Tables in Child Nutrition Programs - July 5, 2016
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Food and Drug Administration Requirements for Vending Machines - April 4, 2016
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Service of Traditional Foods in Public Facilities - August 25, 2015
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Prohibition of Separation by Gender During Child Nutrition Program Meal Service - May 11, 2015
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Statements Supporting Accommodations for Children with Disabilities in the Child Nutrition Programs - May 11, 2015
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CACFP/SFSP Food Crediting Handbook - May 9, 2014
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Local Foods in the CACFP - April 10, 2015
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Child Nutrition Reauthorization - Water Availability in CACFP - May 24, 2011
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Cornmeal Corn Flour for Grain/Bread Component - December 17, 2007
MONITORING
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Implementation Guidance: State Agency Financial Review Requirements, May 28, 2024
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Implementation Guidance: State Agency Review Requirements, February 26, 2024
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Oversight and Monitoring of the Child and Adult Care Food Program - Guidance on On-site and Off-site Strategies and Options, April 6, 2023
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Household Contacts Requirements, October 25, 2022
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Conducting Five-Day Reconciliation in the CACFP with Questions and Answers – October 17, 2022
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Monitoring Requirements, August 10, 2022
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Monitoring Requirements – Monitoring Sponsored Centers Non-profit Food Service and Procurement Procedures, October 1, 2021 (FY 2022)
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CACFP and SFSP Review Process Regarding CN Labels - April 10, 2015
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Monitoring Requirements - Satellite Offices Located Within a 100-mile Radius of All Homes - August 25, 2014
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Varied Timing of Unannounced Reviews - June 27, 2014
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Cooperation with Program Research and Evaluation of Child Nutrition Programs - May 10, 2012
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Ceiling on Administrative Reimbursement for Sponsors - August 30, 2002
PROCUREMENT
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Geographic Preference Option Questions & Answers, June 26, 2024
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Geographic Preference Expansion Related to the Final Rule titled, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, May 22, 2024
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Procuring Local Meat, Poultry, Game, and Eggs for Child Nutrition Programs - November 20, 2023
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Best Practices for Contracting with Food Service Management Companies – April 21, 2023
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Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022: Effect on Child Nutrition Programs, April 4, 2022
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Updates to the Federal Micro-Purchase Threshold in 2 CFR 200.320(a)(1)
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Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021: Effect on Child Nutrition Programs, May 5, 2021
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Federal Micro-Purchase and SAT for Procurement, November 27, 2019
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Market Basket Analysis when Procuring Program Goods and Modifying Contracted-For Products Lists - February 9, 2018
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Q&A: Purchasing Goods and Services Using Cooperative Agreements, Agents, and Third-Party Services – November 10, 2016
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Standards for Development of Procurement Policy Consistent with CACFP and SFSP Federal Requirements (revised) - September 1, 2016
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Updated Guidance: Contracting with FSMCs - July 1, 2016
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State Agency Prior Approval Process for SFA Equipment Purchases - July 1, 2016
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Bonding Requirements for Food Service Management Companies and other Subcontractors – June 6, 2016
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Guidance on Competitive Procurement Standards for Program Operators – December 21, 2015
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Local Agency Procurement Reviews: School Year 2015-2016 - November 24, 2015
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Questions and Answers on the Transition to and Implementation of 2 CFR Part 200 - November 24, 2015
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Local Foods in the CACFP - April 10, 2015
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Federal Small Purchase Threshold Adjustment - Reminder - August 25, 2014
PROGRAM OVERSIGHT/INTERNAL CONTROLS
RECORDKEEPING
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Collection of Race and Ethnicity Data in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program, March 3, 2023
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Questions and Answers Related to Collection of Race and Ethnicity Data by Visual Observation and Identification in the CACFP and SFSP – Policy Rescission - June 13, 2022
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Collection of Race and Ethnicity Data by Visual Observation and Identification in the CACFP and SFSP – Policy Rescission, May 17, 2021
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Updated Guidance for Determining and Calculating Enrollment for Child Care
Centers and Day Care Homes- Oct. 1, 2019
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Documenting Meals in the CACFP – August 3, 2017
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Child Nutrition Reauthorization 2010: Categorical Eligibility of Children in Foster Care – August 3, 2017
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2017 Edition of the Eligibility Manual for School Meals – July 28, 2017
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Disclosure Requirements for the Child Nutrition Programs - January 13, 2016
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Duration of Income Eligibility Determinations: Guidance and Q&A - December 15, 2014
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Sharing Aggregate Data to Expand Program Access and Services in the CACFP - August 25, 2014
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Transmission of Household Income Information by Tier II FCCLH in CACFP - June 27, 2014
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New Guidance for Calculating Enrollment for Adult Day Care Centers - October 1, 2010
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Claiming Head Start Children in Shared Arrangements - August 14, 2008
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Free Meal Benefits for Early Head Start - August 14, 2008
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Media Release Requirement - July 19, 2006
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Free Meal Benefits to all Head Start Children - July 1, 2008
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Pricing Programs Written Policy Statement Requirements - July 18, 2014
RECORDKEEPING - FINANCIAL
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Reporting and Allocating Program Costs Associated with CACFP Sponsors Serving as FSMCs, January 23, 2024
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Meal and Cost Disallowances in the CACFP, June 26, 2023
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Use of CACFP funds towards Farm to Early Care and Education Costs, with Questions and Answers, June 29, 2023
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Carry Over of Unused Administrative Reimbursement in the CACFP – October 18, 2021
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CACFP Labor Cost and Benefits Documentation, October 1, 2021
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Excess Funds in the CACFP and SFSP (v.4), October 1, 2020
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Excluding Cash-in-Lieu when Calculating the Maximum Amount Available for Administrative Use- Oct. 1, 2019
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Charging Net Allowable Administrative Costs to the CACFP (v.3) - October 1, 2020
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Guidance for Establishing a Written Compensation Plan - October 1, 2017
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Clarifying Wage Guidelines for Institutions and Sponsors Charging Salaries to the CACFP/SFSP – January 31, 2017
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Resources for Making Potable Water Available in Schools and Childcare Facilities - August 16, 2016
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Allowable Costs Related to Physical Activity and Limiting the Use of Electronic Media in the CACFP - May 11, 2015
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Assessing Costs in the CACFP - March 26, 2015
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Technical Assistance relating to Admin and DCH - January 5, 2009
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Charging Service Fees to DCH Providers - October 23, 2007
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Medicare Prescription Drug Card - August 2, 2004
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Administrative Cost Audit Process - January 24, 2003
SERIOUS HEALTH AND SAFETY VIOLATIONS
SUSPENSION/SD/PROPOSED TERMINATION/APPEALS