Applying for CACFP in New Mexico: A guide for child care centers

For child care centers, ensuring children receive nutritious meals is crucial in providing holistic care and support. The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) aids care providers in serving healthy meals through financial reimbursement. In New Mexico, the New Mexico Childhood Education & Care Department (ECECD), Family Nutrition Bureau oversees the program, assisting child care facilities in their application, training, recordkeeping, and reimbursement.

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In this guide, we cover what child care centers need to apply for CACFP in New Mexico. Find out what you need to qualify, apply, and receive reimbursements from the program here.

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Eligibility requirements

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A wide range of child care providers can apply for CACFP aid, including child care centers. To qualify, they must be licensed or registered with the New Mexico ECECD.

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How to apply for CACFP in New Mexico

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To participate in CACFP, child care centers must meet licensing requirements and partner with a sponsoring organization. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:

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1. Meet licensing requirements

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First and foremost, child care providers must be licensed or registered with the New Mexico (ECECD) to join CACFP. If your center hasn’t been licensed yet, contact your local Child Care Specialist to begin the process. Once done, you may proceed to the next steps.

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2. Partner with a Sponsoring Organization

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Centers need to partner with sponsoring organizations to join the program. These organizations work with the ECECD to oversee centers participating in the CACFP. They offer support and ensure compliance with program requirements. Sponsoring organizations also do the following:

• Provide initial training
• Monitor program participation (at least three times a year)
• Verify meal counts and attendance
• Process monthly reimbursements (with a 15% administrative fee deducted)

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Find a list of sponsoring organizations approved by the ECECD on the Family and Nutrition Bureau site. Choose from the list and reach out to them through their sponsor primary phone number.

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3. Complete the application process

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After partnering with a sponsoring organization, submit the required documents for processing:

• CACFP Application Form: Available for download from the ECECD website or through your sponsoring organization.
• Management Plan: Outline how your center will implement CACFP meal services. Input your facility’s organizational structure and daily operations to prove that you’re administratively capable and financially viable to run the program.
• Signed Agreement: Sign an official document stating your partnership and agreement with a sponsoring organization.

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4. Submit the application

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Once you’ve completed your application documents, submit them to the sponsoring organization. They’ll reach out for any updates regarding your application, whether additional documents are needed or you’ve successfully been accepted to the program. However, approval times may vary, so it’s best to start as early as possible.

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For assistance, you can contact the following offices across New Mexico:

• Albuquerque: (505) 766-4962
• Las Vegas/Española: (505) 426-2173 or (505) 753-7181 ext. 102
• Gallup: (505) 722-8937
• Grants: (505) 287-7550
• Las Cruces: (575) 523-2411
• Statewide Assistance: 1-800-EAT-COOL (1-800-328-2665)

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Recordkeeping and Documentation

Centers participating in the CACFP must maintain accurate records of meals served, attendance, and enrollment to ensure compliance with CACFP regulations. Required documentation includes the following:

• Attendance Records: Track daily attendance and child participation across all categories (free, reduced-price, and paid).
• Income Eligibility Records: Families must fill out income eligibility forms annually to join your center’s program. You can find them here.
• Meal Count Sheets: Record the number of meals and snacks served per child per day.
• Enrollment Forms: Confirm children’s eligibility and their enrollment in your facility
• Menu Forms: Document food items served to meet USDA meal pattern requirements for CACFP. Find detailed information on meal patterns here.

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Sponsors provide these forms at no charge and may offer additional technical assistance. They’ll also assist you with reimbursements and renewal.

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Reimbursement process

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CACFP reimburses child care providers based on the number of eligible meals served to children monthly. Reimbursement rates depend on the current rates and family income levels, with higher rates for providers serving low-income families.

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To receive payments, providers must follow CACFP meal pattern requirements, maintain daily meal count records, and submit monthly reimbursement claims to their sponsoring organization. They’ll process the reimbursement with the ECECD and give centers the payment minus a 15% administrative fee.

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Ready to apply?

By serving children nutritious meals, you support their growth and development and improve the quality of care you provide. Apply to the CACFP in New Mexico today and get the support your center needs for better child care.

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To begin your application or for any questions, reach out to the ECECD Family Nutrition Bureau CACFP Program Manager, Jesus Aguilar, at (505) 699-2607.

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Provide nutritious snacks and meals with Ordo

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CACFP participation requires strict compliance not only in providing meals according to meal pattern guidelines but also in recordkeeping and managing administrative tasks. Ordo can help centers meet CACFP meal requirements by offering pre-approved, nutritious meals. Our program ensures child care centers can easily serve fresh, balanced meals while staying compliant with USDA standards.

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Ordo has become America's fastest-growing school food program, providing fresh meals made from scratch every day in our kitchens. Our chefs focus on cooking homestyle food that’s both nutritious and what students love. Healthy meals result in better student outcomes, and administrators who invest in their nutrition programs invest in their schools.

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Students and parents can place their orders through their ordering app and choose from seasonal menus with 4 to 6 options daily, like Tex Mex Crunch Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing or Chicken Bacon Wrap with Pretzels, Carrots & Ranch.

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Our online platform automates compliance paperwork for reimbursable meals, tracks essential metrics like daily participation rate, and handles all payment and order processing. Ordo offers both vended meal service, where we deliver the food every day, and onsite food service management, where our chefs prepare food on campus.

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We have served all types of schools, from preschools and daycare centers to private and public schools. We’ve worked with some of the top brands in early education and child care, including Guidepost Montessori, Bright Horizons, Primrose, and more.

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If you’re interested in providing fresh, healthy food for your school, you can reach out to the school partnerships team here.