Families across Illinois can get nutritious meals and snacks for children in care settings through the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Illinois State Board of Education said in an announcement issued Oct. 15.

The program, known as CACFP, is a federally funded initiative administered by ISBE. It supports participating childcare centers, family daycare homes, after-school programs and emergency shelters, the agency said.

"Nutritious food is foundational to healthy growth, development, and learning," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "The Child and Adult Care Food Program helps ensure children have access to healthy meals each day while supporting families and care providers in communities across Illinois."

According to ISBE, 616 sponsors currently operate at 1,350 childcare sites, and nine sponsors operate at 3,870 daycare homes throughout Illinois.

The program provides reimbursement to participating providers for meals and snacks that meet federal nutrition standards, the agency said.

How families can take part

Families can contact their childcare provider to find out whether it participates in CACFP, ISBE said. Reimbursements for program sponsors are based on Income Eligibility Guidelines that are updated annually by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Program sponsors use a direct certification process and applications to determine reimbursement data. Families may be asked to complete an application and provide income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program information.

Income eligibility guidelines

The guidelines are effective from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. ISBE listed the following annual income thresholds:

  • Free meals (130% of the federal poverty guidelines): $20,748 for a household of one, rising to $72,436 for a household of eight; add $7,384 for each additional family member.
  • Reduced-price meals (185% of the federal poverty guidelines): $29,526 for a household of one, rising to $103,082 for a household of eight; add $10,508 for each additional family member.

Background

According to ISBE's website, CACFP is a federally funded voluntary program that reimburses participating organizations for planning, purchasing, preparing and serving nutritious meals to eligible children. Public, nonprofit and for-profit nonresidential childcare centers, Head Start and Early Head Start centers, preschool programs, before- and after-school programs, after-school programs in low-income areas, and emergency shelters can take part, the website says.

The adult-care portion of CACFP is not administered by ISBE. According to the agency's website, the Illinois Department on Aging handles that portion and can be reached at 217-782-2407.

More information is available at isbe.net.

Source: the original release