Federal Formula Grant Award Summary

The Mississippi Department of Education received a $1.6 million formula grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP, CFDA 10.558) for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. This federal funding supports the provision of reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults enrolled in participating child care facilities, day care homes, afterschool care programs in low-income areas, and adult day care centers throughout Mississippi. The CACFP operates as a formula-based allocation where the state administering agency receives federal funds and distributes reimbursements to local institutions and nonprofit organizations that directly provide food services.

In its administering role, the Mississippi Department of Education uses CACFP funding to support nonprofit food service operations and cover state-level administrative expenses including program oversight, audit functions, and technical assistance to participating institutions. Sub-awardees include local school districts, Head Start providers, community action agencies, and nonprofit child development organizations that submit reimbursement claims for meals served to eligible participants. The program requires all participating institutions to maintain nonprofit food services available to all eligible children and adults regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability, with permanent written agreements establishing compliance with federal requirements.