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Three Ways to Maximize CACFP Reimbursement Claims
July 15th, 2025Tammy Frommelt, CCNP, CNP, Director of CACFP Homes
Jolie Hrdlichka, CCNP, Director of CACFP Centers
At Providers Choice, our goal is to make participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) as simple and successful as possible. From offering menu guidance to enrollment form updates, we’re here to support your child care business every step of the way.
This month, we’re highlighting three easy strategies to help you maximize your CACFP meal reimbursements. By keeping accurate records, meeting meal pattern requirements, and taking full advantage of tools like KidKare, you can ensure your claims are complete and on time.
✅ Claim All Eligible Meals and Snacks
Use KidKare to track which children participate in each meal service to ensure you are claiming every single eligible meal and snack served. Save and double check your meal counts to make sure they are all accounted for.
✅ Keep Enrollments Up to Date
Ensure that all of the children currently attending are enrolled in KidKare. If there are children not enrolled or have pending or expired forms, be sure to send their completed and signed Enrollment Form to Providers Choice as soon as possible so they can be counted in the claim. If a child enrollment is pending or expired when your claim is submitted, you will not receive any program funds for the meals you served and entered for those children.
✅ Follow the Meal Pattern
Review your menus closely to ensure each meal and snack meets the meal pattern requirements. If a meal component is missing or a food item is not creditable, you will not receive any program funds for those meals. Before you submit your claim each month, review your menus to be sure everything was entered correctly and all whole grain-rich foods were properly accounted for.
BONUS TIP:
Get the most out of mealtimes. Do you have children in care until late afternoon? Consider a Super Snack and claim AM Snack, Lunch and Dinner to increase your reimbursement and provide a mini meal to fuel children right before pick-up time.
Learn more about Super Snacks in the CACFP.
Questions? Reach out! We love working with providers and are dedicated to supporting you.