Applying for CACFP in Texas: A complete guide for child care centers

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is essential in helping child care centers provide nutritious meals to children, especially those from low-income families. Every day, over 400,000 approved meals and snacks are served to children and adults across Texas through CACFP, making quality child care more accessible.

‍

In Texas, the CACFP is managed by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Here’s a simple guide to help Texas child care centers understand CACFP requirements and get started with the application process.

‍

Eligibility requirements

Eligible child care centers include public or private nonprofits, Head Start programs, and other licensed or approved daycare providers. To qualify, for-profit sites must be in low-income areas or have at least 25% of enrolled children eligible for free or reduced lunch.

‍

Before you apply:

‍

Complete the TDA’s intake form to provide initial information about your child care center. Once submitted, the TDA will review your eligibility and financial viability and inform you about the next steps.

‍

How to apply for CACFP in Texas for child care centers

‍

Access the TX-UNPS

‍

To apply for CACFP, new applicants need access to the Texas Unified Nutrition Programs System (TX-UNPS). It’s the official online platform you’ll use to submit applications and claims and manage the nutrition program.

‍

Here are simple steps on how to apply:

• Visit TX-UNPS.
• Select “Interested in Applying.”
• Choose “Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)”
• Complete the CACFP Pre-Eligibility Form.
• Eligible applicants will receive a unique CE ID, user ID, and password to access TX-UNPS.

‍

Complete required training

‍

Centers must complete CACFP training, which is mandatory to move forward with the application. Without it, pre-submitted applications will not be reviewed.

‍

If you have not undergone the required training yet, proceed to the TDA website and head to the Introductory Classes section. Register for the “Intro to CACFP for Child Care Center” course.

‍

Submit proof of training completion to FinancialViabilityReview@texasagriculture.gov to continue the application process.

‍

Submit application and documentation

‍

After completing your training, submit your online application and required documents through TX-UNPS. The review process has two parts:

• Completeness check: Ensures all required documentation has been submitted.
• Accuracy check: Verifies information accuracy within 30 days after completion.

‍

Tip: Refer to the CACFP Application Packet for a detailed checklist.

‍

Undergo the Visit Prior to Approval (VPA)

‍

After the initial review steps, the Community Operations (ComOps) team will conduct an on-site visit to confirm that your child care center complies with CACFP standards. Once completed, your application will proceed to the final approval stage.

‍

Record-keeping and documentation

‍

Once approved, CACFP child care centers are required to keep accurate records of program-related expenses, meal counts, salaries, and food costs for compliance and proper use of funds. Key records to maintain include:

• Daily meal counts with attendance reports
• Receipts for food (including milk) and allowable non-food supplies
• Administrative salaries and benefits
• Documentation for travel expenses related to food service

‍

‍

Reimbursement process

‍

The TDA reimburses at set rates based on number of meals served, meal types, and income levels of children enrolled. Participating centers submit monthly reimbursement claims, which must be filed within 60 days of the claim month. Make sure to verify meal counts before submitting reimbursement claims to ensure accuracy.

‍

Check current reimbursement rates directly with TDA for up-to-date rates.

‍

Ready to apply?

‍

Join CACFP to make a lasting difference in the quality of care you provide. Start your online application or contact TDA at (877) TEX-MEAL (877-839-6325) for assistance with paper applications.

‍

Your participation can help children in your care grow healthier and stronger!

‍

‍

Meet CACFP meal standards with Ordo’s support

‍

With Ordo as your food service partner, you can focus on caring for kids while we handle the meal preparation—at no extra cost. We make it easy to deliver nutritious, balanced meals that meet CACFP standards, taking the hassle of compliance off your plate.

‍

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.

‍

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 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.