California Farm to CACFP Census 

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Branch invites child care centers, at-risk afterschool programs, emergency shelters, adult day care centers, and family child care sponsors to complete the first ever California Farm to CACFP Census! The purpose of the census is to gather baseline data to measure the implementation of the California Farm to CACFP Initiative.

The Farm to CACFP Initiative is comprised of three elements:

  1. Purchasing local foods
  2. Providing nutrition and agriculture-based education
  3. Providing hands-on learning in an edible garden

The CDSS CACFP Branch is interested in finding out whether CACFP Operators are currently participating in Farm to CACFP and what resources may be needed. We need your help by completing the census, so we can develop resources, training, and technical assistance to best meet your needs.

The census will:

  • Open on March 11, 2025
  • Deadline is April 11, 2025

Child Care Centers Only: The CDSS CACFP Branch is offering a virtual six-session nutrition and agriculture-based education pilot program starting in June 2025. If you are operating a child care center and are interested in participating, please complete the census and provide your contact information in the census questions about the pilot program.

The California Farm to CACFP Flyer (for Agencies) provides additional information about the census.


This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 
Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

Child and Adult Care Food Program Logo, hands holding a heart shaped apple

Contact Us

For questions about Farm to CACFP, contact the CDSS Team by email at Farm2CACFP@dss.ca.gov.
For questions regarding the California Farm to School (F2S) Network, contact Nick Anicich, F2S Lead, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Office of Farm to Fork, by email at  cafarmtoschool@cdfa.ca.gov.

Quick Links

Farm to CACFP Initiative

Preschools SHINE Program

CACFP