Federal Grant Award Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded $149.6 million to the California Department of Social Services through a formula grant for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP, CFDA 10.558) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This award provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults enrolled in participating child care centers, day care homes, afterschool care programs in low-income areas, and adult day care facilities throughout California. The program supports nonprofit food service operations and covers state-level administrative expenses, including oversight, audit functions, and technical assistance activities.

The California Department of Social Services administers these funds as the state agency intermediary, distributing federal reimbursements to local participating institutions including school districts, Head Start providers, community action agencies, nonprofit child development organizations, and community-based service providers across the state's 58 counties. All participating institutions must operate nonprofit food services available to eligible participants regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability. Participating institutions are required to maintain comprehensive records of program operations and comply with federal requirements through permanent written agreements with the state agency, ensuring fiscal oversight and program accountability while delivering direct meal services to vulnerable populations.