Becoming a CACFP Participant

Becoming a participant in the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) as an independent center or a sponsoring organization.

Summary: Learn about becoming a participant in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

• Child & Adult Care Food Program Fact Sheet
• Child & Adult Care Food Program: Adult Day Care Fact Sheet
• Child and Adult Care Food Program At-Risk Afterschool Meals Fact Sheet

Becoming a CACFP Participant

Organizations may be private non-profit organizations, private for-profit organizations or public non-profit organizations and must meet CACFP performance standards.

In addition, these requirements must be met:

• Private for-profit adult care centers must have at least 25% of the adults enrolled receiving Title XIX funds (Medicaid).
• Private for-profit child care centers must have at least 25% of the children enrolled receiving Title XX funds (childcare subsidy) or meet the income eligibility criteria for free or reduced-price meals.

How to Apply to become a CACFP Participant

To become a CACFP participant under direct agreement with Bright from the Start, an eligible center must:

1. Attend 2-day Program Training and obtain an application;
2. Submit a completed application and supporting documents to Bright from the Start;
3. Operate the CACFP and maintain required documentation for at least one month;
4. Have a satisfactory pre-operative visit performed.

For additional information on applying for CACFP, go to:

Nutrition > CACFP Applicant Information> How to Apply?

Annual Training Registration and Information

Every CACFP participant must complete training annually. This training is required to continue or renew participation in the program. Annual training is typically conducted in the summer and deals with administrative and programmatic topics.

Information on CACFP annual training is typically sent via email directly to the Institution's Program Contact who is responsible for completing this training online in GA ATLAS (formerly CNP 2000). Registration for the online training is also available on Georgia ATLAS platform.

Becoming a CACFP Administrative or Family Child Care Learning Home Sponsor

Private non-profit organizations with tax-exempt status from the IRS or public government entities currently providing services in their local communities can participate in the CACFP as an Administrative Sponsor or Family Child Care Learning Home Sponsor.