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Applying for CACFP in Missouri: What child care centers need to know
Healthy meals aid children’s growth and development. However, for child care centers managing the needs of several infants and children, the costs can quickly add up. That’s where the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) comes in. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), this federal program provides reimbursement to child care institutions for serving nutritious meals to eligible children, easing the financial burden while supporting better nutrition.
In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) oversees the CACFP, providing support with applications, ensuring compliance, and reimbursing centers for approved meals. To help child care centers get started on their applications, we’ve outlined everything you need to know—from eligibility requirements to training and annual renewal. Keep reading to learn how you can join the program and provide better care and nutrition to children.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for CACFP, child care centers in Missouri need to meet the following requirements:
- Be licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), or
- Be licensed-exempt as a religious organization or nursery school and pass an annual DHSS inspection, or
- Hold federal licensure as a child care facility
Additionally, centers must operate on a nonresidential basis, meaning children cannot be in care for more than 24 hours regularly.
Private child care centers must also fulfill at least one of the following conditions:
- Have tax-exempt status from the Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- Receive Title XX funding for at least 25% of their enrolled children or state-licensed capacity
- Serve at least 25% of children from households that qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Joining CACFP: Child care center responsibilities
Institutions applying for CACFP must be ready to carry out the responsibilities that come with participation. These include:
- Providing meals based on USDA nutritional guidelines for CACFP
- Maintaining accurate records for claims, audits, and renewals
- Operating as a nonprofit food service meeting federal requirements
- Training staff on running program operations
- Collecting income eligibility data for participants receiving free or reduced-cost meals
In the application process, the State agency will determine if your center has the administrative capabilities and financial viability to run the program.
How to apply for CACFP in Missouri for child care centers
Confirm your center’s eligibility
Verify if your organization qualifies for CACFP. Registered homes, licensed day care centers, or group day care home centers must complete the Registered Homes or Licensed Family and Group Child Care Homes form.
If your organization doesn’t fall into these categories, complete the following forms:
Submit these documents via email to hannah.smith@health.mo.gov for review. Once eligibility is confirmed, you’ll receive login credentials and instructions on accessing the online application system, CNPWeb.
Complete the required forms
After confirming your eligibility, upload additional documentation to CNPWeb. These forms include:
- Enrollment Roster
- Menu Forms
- Vendor Input/ACH-EFT Form
- Subrecipient Information Form
- E-Verify Memorandum of Understanding
- Food Service Management Contracts (if applicable)
Specific documents are required depending on your facility’s classification:
License-exempt Child Care Centers:
- Program Evaluation Questionnaire
- Copy of IRS letter - 501 c (3) tax exemption status
- Board of Directors Listing
Licensed For-Profit Child Care Center:
- Copy of current child care license
- Copy of Child Care Facility Overlap Approval (BCC-16) (if applicable)
- Copy of letter for shift care (if applicable)
- Copy of current FSD Child Care Provider contract
Licensed Non-Profit Child Care Center:
- Copy of current child care license
- Copy of IRS letter - 501 c (3) tax exemption status
- Board of Directors Listing
- Copy of Child Care Facility Overlap Approval (DC 16) (if applicable)
- Copy of letter for shift care (if applicable)
Attend orientation training
All applicants must complete CACFP training online to familiarize themselves with the program’s requirements and operational standards. Only two staff members can register per training session. Register for the training orientation here. Be prepared to show two weeks of menus for the training.
Submit your application to CNPWeb
Once you’ve finished the training, finalize your application and submit the required documents through the CNPWeb system. For guidance, refer to the Application and Claiming Quick Reference Guides.
Recordkeeping and documentation
Maintaining CACFP participation requires accurate recordkeeping and documentation. Keep detailed records of the following documents for claims, audits, and renewals:
- Daily attendance logs
- Meal menus
- Daily meal counts at the point of service
- Documentation of food service income and expenses
- Income and household size verification for children receiving free or reduced-price meals
- Additional records as required by the program
Reimbursement process
Meals served must meet CACFP’s meal pattern requirements to qualify for reimbursement. Use the USDA’s Food Buying Guide to ensure proper portion sizes and nutritional value. Centers can submit monthly claims for reimbursement based on allowable meals served and children’s eligibility category—free, reduced-price, or paid. They receive reimbursement calculated based on the current reimbursement rates.
Annual renewal and training
CACFP participants must renew their applications after every fiscal year to continue participation. It requires finishing additional training courses and submitting re-application forms, updated enrollment information documents, and new income eligibility records. Reach out to the Community Food and Nutrition Assistance at CACFP@health.mo.gov for additional details.
Ready to apply?
Joining CACFP is a wonderful opportunity for child care centers to provide wholesome care and service to children. To begin your application, follow the process above and determine your eligibility. For any clarification, contact the DHSS through the following channels:
- Telephone: 573-751-6269 or (toll-free) 800-733-6251
- Email: CACFP@health.mo.gov
Ordo helps child care centers meet CACFP meal standards
Partnering with a food service provider can make CACFP compliance more manageable. Focus on providing quality care and service when you partner with Ordo. Our freshly prepared meals meet CACFP standards, ensuring children in your care get the nutrition they need at no additional cost to you.
Ordo has become America's fastest-growing school food program, providing fresh meals made from scratch every day in our kitchens. Our chefs focus on cooking homestyle food that’s both nutritious and what students love. Healthy meals result in better student outcomes, and administrators who invest in their nutrition programs invest in their schools.
Students and parents can place their orders through their ordering app and choose from seasonal menus with 4 to 6 options daily, like Tex Mex Crunch Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing or Chicken Bacon Wrap with Pretzels, Carrots & Ranch.
Our online platform automates compliance paperwork for reimbursable meals, tracks essential metrics like daily participation rate, and handles all payment and order processing. Ordo offers both vended meal service, where we deliver the food every day, and onsite food service management, where our chefs prepare food on campus. We have served all types of schools, from preschools and daycare centers to private and public schools. We’ve worked with some of the top brands in early education and child care, including Guidepost Montessori, Bright Horizons, Primrose, and more.
If you’re interested in providing fresh, healthy food for your school, you can reach out to the school partnerships team here.
Never worry about food again
We provide freshly prepared meals and take care of the paperwork so you can focus on what matters.
