Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

Months of Service: September through June

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a USDA, federally funded program administered by States, that provides reimbursement for meals served in child and adult day care institutions, also in family or group day care homes. The nutritious meals contribute to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children, and the health and wellness of older adults, including chronically impaired disabled persons.

Nationwide through CACFP, more than 3.3 million children and 120,000 adults receive nutritious meals and snacks each day as part of the care they receive.  In Delaware, as of October 2014, over 923,000 meals were served in childcare centers, adult day care centers, and in day care homes.  In addition, At-Risk Afterschool suppers had over 3,200 in average daily attendance

The CACFP can make a difference in the quality of your program! Whether you are a provider in your home, at a day care center, in an afterschool care program, or in an emergency shelter, you will find many useful resources for serving nutritious meals and snacks. 

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

Months of Service: June through August

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a USDA, federally funded program administered by States that operates during the summer months when school is not in session. Free meals, that meet Federal nutrition guidelines, are provided to all children, 18 years old and under, at approved SFSP sites in areas with significant concentrations of low-income children.

In Delaware, during the pandemic through 2021, over 1 million meals (breakfast, lunch, snack, and supper) were served at Wilmington and New Castle County locations. Our goal is to ensure that children who normally receive free or reduced priced lunch during the school year can gain access to nutritious meals during the during summer months.