Child and Adult Care Food Program Available Statewide

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and eligible agencies across the state provide meals to children and adults through the Child and Adult Care Food Program, or CACFP. The CACFP is a federally funded program that provides reimbursement for eligible meals that are served to participants who meet age and income requirements. Meals are available to all participants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

Availability of the program ensures children and older adults retain access to consistent, nutritious meals at eligible CACFP organizations including: licensed child care centers, Head Start programs, emergency shelters providing residential and food services to homeless children, family child care homes, qualifying child care centers, after-school programs and adult day care centers.

"The Child and Adult Care Food Program works behind the scenes and the program could not be successful without the help of our sponsors. More than 46 million meals were served across the state last year, directly reaching those who need it most," said TDHS Commissioner Danielle W. Barnes. "Studies show that children who have access to nutritious foods are better prepared to learn and grow and older adults with regular access to nutritious foods are healthier across their lifespan."

According to the Centers for Disease Control, healthy eating can help maintain healthy body weight and reduce the risk of developing health conditions. For children, healthy eating has been associated with improved cognitive function and reduced absenteeism.

To learn more about the CACFP visit http://tn.gov/humanservices/article/child-and-adult-care-food-program1 or https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/child-and-adult-care-food-program.