Applying for CFP in Colorado: What child care centers need to know

In Colorado, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) helps child care centers serve healthy, balanced meals to children in their care through the local Colorado Food Program (CFP). It improves young children’s nutrition while reimbursing centers for serving meals that meet USDA standards, easing their financial burden. In 2023 alone, CACFP in Colorado served over 16 million meals and snacks across the state.

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Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and managed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the program benefits a wide range of facilities, including for-profit and non-profit child care centers. For these facilities, enrolling in CFP means contributing to healthier communities while also receiving financial support for operating costs.

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To help child care centers in Colorado get federal aid, we’ve compiled all the information you need to apply—from eligibility requirements and application steps to the reimbursement claims process. Find out how you can improve the quality of care you provide through CFP below.

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What CFP Participation Means: Program requirements

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Joining CFP requires upholding high nutrition standards, following program guidelines, and managing operations according to training. Accurate recordkeeping, documentation, and punctual claims filing are also necessary to maintain your participation. Specifically, here’s what the responsibility entails:

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• Serving meals and snacks that follow the USDA’s CACFP nutrition guidelines
• Keeping records of the following:
  
  • Daily attendance
  • Weekly menus
  • Meal count records
  • Child enrollment forms
  • Income eligibility forms
• Submitting documentation for reimbursement within the acceptance period
• Notifying sponsors of changes in licensing, enrollment, or meal service, if joining through a sponsor organization
• Allowing on-site monitoring visits by sponsors, CDPHE, or USDA staff
• Attending annual CACFP training
• Submitting renewal documents

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Why apply to CFP?

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For child care centers, joining CFP means getting reimbursements to help cover operating costs. It also offers the following advantages:

• Reimbursements for Meals: CFP covers the cost of up to two meals and one snack per child each day, easing centers’ financial responsibilities
• Cost Savings: Use funds you’ve saved on meals for other aspects of your program
• Nutrition Education: CFP provides program training, giving your staff access to educational resources to promote lifelong healthy habits
• Family Appeal: Offering healthy meals positions your center as a high-quality child care facility, appealing to parents seeking exceptional service

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Check how much you can save through the CFP with the Cost Benefit Tool available in English and Spanish. It gives you an idea of the reimbursement amount you can expect if you join the program.

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Eligibility Requirements

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To participate in the CFP in Colorado, your child care center must be one of the following:

• A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• A for-profit child care center with at least 25% of enrolled children or licensed capacity eligible for Free or Reduced-Price Meals, or are beneficiaries of the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP).

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If you’re eligible, you can begin your application.

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How to apply for CACFP in Colorado

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Child care centers in Colorado can apply for the CFP in two ways: through a sponsor or directly with the CDPHE as an independent center.

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Applying Through a Sponsor

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Most centers apply through a third-party sponsor accredited by the CDPHE. Sponsors assist with training, claim submission, compliance, and oversight. You won’t have to deal directly with the CDPHE, they’ll handle all processing (from application to reimbursement and renewal) for a 15% fee of your reimbursement to cover administrative costs.

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Tip: Many sponsors are available in Colorado. The CDPHE can connect you with trusted ones to kickstart your search. Use KidKare’s sponsor finder tool to begin. Remember to ask them about their services and fees

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Applying Directly with CDPHE

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If you prefer operating independently, you can apply directly through the state. CDPHE offers technical guidance but does not handle administrative tasks such as claim submission or food vendor contracts. Without a sponsor, you’re tasked to take care of these matters yourself. However, you also get your complete reimbursement amount.

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Step-by-step direct CFP application process for child care centers

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If you’re applying directly with the CDPHE, here’s what you need to do:

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Step 1: Submit the Intake Form

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Begin by completing the Colorado Food Program intake form, where you’ll provide information about your center. CDPHE staff will then review your submission and verify your eligibility. Afterwards, they’ll contact you with the next steps.

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Step 2: Receive login credentials

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Afterwards, you’ll receive an email with a user ID and password request form for the Colorado Nutrition Portal (CNP). Once you’ve submitted, CDPHE will create your account so you can begin the online application.

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Step 3: Complete the online application

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After submission, a nutrition consultant will guide you through a two-week recordkeeping trial and a pre-approval visit to your center, which you must pass to begin receiving reimbursements.

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Important Note: You have 90 days from the day your application is opened to complete it. Take note of deadlines, as missing them may result in rejection. Applications are accepted year-round, except in September, when current participants renew their enrollment.

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Recordkeeping and documentation

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To stay compliant and ensure reimbursement, you must consistently document the following:

• Daily attendance
• Meals served (with meal counts and menus)
• Enrollment details for every child
• Changes in eligibility, licensing, or staffing

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Maintaining accurate records is essential to avoid audit findings and delays in payment.

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Reimbursement

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The CFP reimburses for either two meals and one snack, or one meal and two snacks served per eligible child daily. Reimbursement amounts are based on the current rates for each child’s household income level (free, reduced-price, or paid) as set by the USDA. The more eligible children are enrolled, the higher your potential reimbursement.

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Ready to apply?

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If you’re geared up to begin your application, complete the CFP intake form or contact a sponsoring organization. For assistance, reach out to the Colorado Food Program through the following channels:

• Website: cdphe.colorado.gov/COFoodProgram
• Email: cacfp@state.co.us
• Phone: (303) 692-2330

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Ordo makes CFP compliance easy

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Participating in the Colorado Food Program shouldn’t mean sacrificing part of your monthly reimbursement. With Ordo, child care centers can serve USDA-approved meals that meet all nutritional guidelines—at no extra cost.

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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.