CACFP Information for Emergency Shelters

Benefits for Emergency Shelters

• Who does CACFP serve in emergency shelters?
  • All children 18 years and younger living in emergency shelters.
  • Adults who are 19 years of age or older with documented disabilities who reside in an emergency shelter.
• Which emergency shelters are eligible for CACFP?
  • A 501-c3 nonprofit.
  • Emergency shelters that provide temporary residence to children and their parents or guardians.
  • Day shelters that do not provide overnight care can participate in CACFP however, before a day shelter operates the CACFP the state office must have assurances that the shelter is a legitimate provider of services to homeless children and that it can certify that the children who receive meals and snacks are residents of emergency shelters.
• Why apply to CACFP?
  • For emergency shelters, participation in CACFP:
    • Helps cover the cost of three meals or two meals and a snack per child each day.
      • How much money you might receive?
        • Cost Benefit tool in English. (Google spreadsheet)
        • Cost Benefit tool in Spanish (Español). (Google spreadsheet)
  • Offers nutrition education and professional development opportunities for shelter staff.
  • Can support the cost of staff responsible for carrying out the CACFP program.
• For children, participation in CACFP:
  • Exposes them to new, healthy foods.
  • Provides healthy meals so they can learn, thrive, and be curious about the world around them.
  • Supports their social skills and language development during meal time.
• For families, participation in CACFP:
  • Supports the healthy development of their children during the critical early years.
  • Allows family members to eat and prepare meals together.

Printable brochure

• Emergency Shelter brochure in English. (PDF)