Summary of Federal Formula Grant Award

The Ohio Department of Education received a formula grant of $2,037,999.82 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Child Nutrition Division for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP, CFDA 10.558) with an award date of October 1, 2025, and a completion date of September 30, 2026. CACFP provides federal reimbursements and grants to support nonprofit food service operations that deliver nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children, elderly adults, and chronically impaired disabled persons in nonresidential day care facilities, child care centers, day care homes, afterschool care programs in low-income areas, and emergency shelters. The program aims to promote healthy growth and development in young children while supporting the health and wellness of older and disabled populations, with state administering agencies serving as intermediaries to distribute federal funds to local institutions and service providers.

The Ohio Department of Education distributed the award through sub-grants to over 100 child care centers, learning centers, preschools, adult day programs, and community organizations across Ohio designated as "CACFP CASH IN LIEU" recipients for Fiscal Year 2026. Sub-awardees include nonprofit child care facilities, school districts (such as Wooster City Schools, Bay Village City School District, and South-Western City School District), community action organizations (including Highland County Community Action Organization and Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission), senior service providers, and specialized learning centers, all participating in the program to ensure eligible participants receive nutritionally adequate meals regardless of socioeconomic status, race, color, national origin, age, or disability.