Expansion of At-Risk Afterschool Meals

Nutrition Services Division
To: Child and Adult Care Food Program - Independent Centers and Sponsoring Organizations	Number: USDA-CACFP-02-2011
Attention: Food Program Director	Date: January 2011
Subject: Expansion of At-Risk Afterschool Meals in the Child and Adult Care Food Program
Reference: United States Department of Agriculture Policy Memo CACFP 04-2011; CACFP Regulations, Title 7 Code of Federal Regulations 226.17(a)

This Management Bulletin (MB) announces the expansion of eligibility for at-risk afterschool meal reimbursement under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (Act) signed by the President of the United States on December 12, 2010. This MB provides guidance to centers participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) on how to implement this exciting expansion.

Previously, reimbursement for at-risk afterschool snacks was available in all states; however, only 14 designated states were allowed to reimburse for meals, typically suppers, in afterschool care programs. The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1766[r]) now includes language that extends eligibility for at-risk afterschool meal reimbursements to all states participating in the CACFP.

Effective October 1, 2010, all institutions participating in the at-risk afterschool care component of the CACFP are eligible to claim reimbursement at the free rate for up to one snack and one meal served to each eligible participant per day. At-risk afterschool meals and snacks must be served free of charge (7 CFR 226.17a[j]) and will be reimbursed at the applicable free rates (7 CFR 226.17a[n]).

Please note that the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS) does not currently permit claiming for the new meal allowance for agencies participating in the at-risk afterschool care component of the CACFP. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will notify all agencies when the CNIPS is modified to accommodate this change in regulation. The CDSS will announce the deadline for final amended claims at that time. Agencies with documentation showing they served a reimbursable meal to eligible children on or after October 1 may amend their claims to obtain retroactive reimbursement once changes are made to the CNIPS.

If you have any questions regarding this MB, please contact the CACFP specialist assigned to your agency in the CNIPS. You will find a list of contact information for specialists on the CACFP County Contacts web page or in the Download Forms section of the CNIPS as Form ID CACFP 01. You can also contact the CACFP Office Technician by email at CACFPinfo@dss.ca.gov to be directed to your specialist.

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