USDA, through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program
Federal money back for meals and snacks served in a licensed child care or preschool program, an afterschool program, or a summer meal program. It fits a school that also runs one of those programs.
- Amount
- Paid back per qualifying meal and snack served (not a one-time grant)
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- Unclear: ask the funder
- Deadline
- Rolling
- Who this fits
- Private school · MicroschoolFor schools that run a licensed child care or preschool, an afterschool program, or summer meals. A school without those programs should look at the school lunch and breakfast listing instead.
- New schools
- Not stated for new schools
- Where
- Arkansas only
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026on agriculture.arkansas.gov
Unconfirmed: check with the funder
We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.
- Can a for-profit child care center or school take part, and on what terms?
- Does an afterschool program run by a private school or microschool count as an “eligible afterschool care program”?
How to apply
- Step 1: Check that your program is a licensed child care center, an eligible afterschool program, or a summer meal site
- Step 2: Fill out the state's Potential Provider Questionnaire (linked on the Department of Agriculture page)
- Step 3: Work with your area specialist on training and the application
- Step 4: Submit meal claims through the state's provider system once approved
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“CACFP provides reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks served to children enrolled in licensed childcare centers, Head Start programs, and eligible afterschool care programs.”
This is different from the National School Lunch and Breakfast listing (usda-school-meals-arkansas), which covers meals during the school day. CACFP covers licensed child care centers, family day care homes and at-risk afterschool meals; the Summer Food Service Program covers meals during summer and other school breaks. The state page doesn't say whether a for-profit center can take part; ask.
- A licensed child care center or preschool, an eligible afterschool program, or a summer meal site
- Serve meals and snacks that meet federal rules
- Training, monitoring and monthly claims through the state
Timing
No deadline posted. Start with the state's Potential Provider Questionnaire any time.