Federal Formula Grant Award Summary

The Maine Department of Education received a formula grant award of $155,867.00 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service, Child Nutrition Division, under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP, CFDA 10.558). The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, supports the provision of nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults enrolled in nonprofit child care centers, day care homes, afterschool care programs in low-income areas, and emergency shelters throughout Maine. As the state administering agency, MDOE serves as the intermediary between USDA and local institutions, facilitating the reimbursement and distribution of federal funds to participating child care sponsoring organizations, centers, and day care homes.

The funding supports both direct food service operations and state-level program administration expenses, including oversight, audit functions, and technical assistance. MDOE is responsible for maintaining federal-state agreements with participating institutions, ensuring compliance with civil rights requirements, establishing audit policies for for-profit institutions, and managing comprehensive program records. Through this formula grant, Maine's child care providers can ensure the delivery of meals and snacks that promote healthy growth and development in young children while supporting the health and wellness of older and disabled adults in their care.