(Updated 1/27/2021 with link to USDA/FNS Guidance)
In December we announced that there is emergency funding relief coming to CACFP! The provision adopted was one our entire community wrote letters to Congress about and was originally in the HEROs Act. Geri Henchy from the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) explained how it works and why at one of our town halls. So, let's give you a little bit more information. We'll continue to update this post as we learn more.
Replace 55% of the total reimbursement lost for each month from April 2020 through June 2020 plus one half of March for providers and sponsors.
The funding does not have a dollar amount. It will be the amount it takes to carry out the reimbursement for states, sponsors and providers.
CACFP Sponsors will pull up the previous years claims during the same months (March, April, May, June of 2019) to calculate the 55% that will be reimbursed to providers and distribute payment based upon those numbers.
Next Steps:
USDA has 30 days after enactment of bill to provide the states guidance. On January 26, 2021 - USDA Published Guidance (link)
The states have 30 days after that to provide further guidance to sponsors and centers.
After states issue guidance, CACFP Sponsors will make the calculations and reimburse the providers.
For Further Information:
Complete Text of Bill - Find CACFP provision on page 2,334 through 2,345. (link)
FRAC Applauds Bipartisan Relief Bill, Long-Term Investments Still Needed to Offset Alarming Spikes in Hunger (link)
Division-By-Division Summary of COVID-19 Relief Provisions (link)
COVID-19 Economic Relief Bill, National Conference of State Legislatures (link)
We'll continue to advocate on behalf of the CACFP community. Having your stories helps us lift your voice. Share your story.