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Applying for CACFP in South Carolina: What child care centers need to know
Joining the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) offers child care centers a more accessible way to serve healthy meals to children. The CACFP reimburses centers for meals and snacks served, helping ensure children get the nutrition they need without increasing expenses.
In South Carolina, the program is administered by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SC DSS), which handles the requirements and application process. To simplify things, we’ve gathered the essential information you’ll need to apply for CACFP in South Carolina.
Eligibility requirements
Public and private nonprofit organizations providing child care services can apply for CACFP in South Carolina. They must be licensed or registered.
Private for-profit centers can qualify if at least 25% of the children in care are eligible for free or reduced-price meals according to South Carolina’s current income eligibility guidelines.
How to apply for CACFP in South Carolina for child care centers
Child care centers must apply through the online SC CACFP system. However, you must attend an orientation class to gain access to that system and begin the application process. Here’s how to begin the application process:
Attend an orientation class
The South Carolina Department of Social Services offers monthly orientation classes for new applicants at various locations across the state. Each class accommodates up to 50 participants. To choose a class, check the orientation schedule for your area and the contact number provided.
During these sessions, you’ll learn about eligibility requirements, record keeping and other essential information needed before moving forward in the application process.
Submit your application
Submit your application package, including the application form, statement of ownership/authority, and certification statement. Be sure to include all necessary documentation, such as proof of license, income eligibility forms, and a sample menu.
Pass the pre-approval visit
After reviewing your application, the SC DSS will schedule a pre-approval visit to your center. During this visit, take note of any corrections or suggestions for improvement and implement them. Following this, a second visit will be scheduled. If you pass, you can begin the program on a given start date.
Meet and maintain CACFP requirements
Once your center is approved as a CACFP participant, you’ll be responsible for the following:
- Determining free and reduced-price eligibility
- Ensuring the CACFP meal pattern is met for both children and infants
- Accurately counting and claiming meals
- Submitting timely and precise reimbursement claims
- Ensuring program funds are used exclusively for allowable expenses
Record-keeping and documentation
As an approved CACFP participant, you’ll have to keep the following documents for monthly reimbursement claims and annual renewal:
- Enrollment roster: Include all attendees, whether they’re eligible for free or reduced-price meals or not
- Income eligibility application: Take account of every participating student’s application form, to be renewed annually
- Meal count records and attendance: Record daily attendance and the number of meals and snacks served, including for infants
- Weekly menu plans: Follow the SC DSS guidelines on menu planning and the updated USDA nutrition guidelines when drafting weekly menus
- Expenditure records: Keep track of food purchasing expenses for the annual review
Reimbursement process
Child care centers submit monthly reimbursement claims based on the attendance and number of meals served. Payment depends on the current reimbursement rates set by the SC DSS. Claims for CACFP reimbursement are due on the 15th of the next month. Make sure you follow timely filing, as claims not submitted within 60 days will not be reimbursed.
Annual participation renewal
Every year, child care centers can renew their CACFP participation by submitting updated licensing information, and certification that previously submitted information remains valid. The fiscal year ends in September, with renewal applications beginning in October.
Ready to apply?
If you’re ready to get started, visit the SC DSS CACFP application page or contact their office at (803) 898-0959 for assistance. Take the first step towards enhancing child care and contributing to children’s growth!
Serve CACFP-approved meals with ease through Ordo
Running a child care center is demanding, and keeping up with CACFP meal patterns and menu planning can add to the challenge. With Ordo as your food service partner, you can rely on experts to manage daily meals, ensuring children receive the nutrition they need while you stay compliant with CACFP—without any extra expense.
Ordo has become the fastest-growing school food program in America, 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.
Students and parents can place their orders through their ordering app and choose from seasonal menus with 4 to 6 different 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 important 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 with our chefs preparing 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.
