In Arkansas, the Special Nutrition Programs (SNP) help child care providers deliver well-balanced, nutritious meals by reimbursing the cost of food served under programs like the Child Care Food Program (CACFP). These programs are overseen by the Arkansas Department of Education’s District Operations, Special Nutrition Programs division.
Through CACFP participation, your center can offer healthier meals and support children’s growth and families while receiving financial backing from the USDA.
To help you get started, we’ve created a comprehensive guide that covers everything your child care center needs to know, from eligibility requirements and application steps to required training and more.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for CACFP in Arkansas, your organization must be one of the following:
- Public or private nonprofit centers providing licensed or registered non-residential day care services.
- Private for-profit centers, if at least 25% of enrolled children receive non-residential care funded through Title XX of the Social Security Act.
How to apply for CACFP in Arkansas
Express your interest to participate
Visit the Special Nutrition Program Online Portal and complete the eligibility questionnaire.
Complete the application form
If you qualify, you’ll be directed to fill out the application form, wherein you’ll provide the following information:
- Center details: Name, address, Tax ID, and contact information for the Executive Director or Responsible Person.
- Program information: Number of children served, meal service schedule, and sponsorship (if applicable).
Gain access to the SNP system
Once you submit the application form, you’ll receive access to the SNP system, where you can find additional forms, manuals, and support resources.
Attend the required training sessions
Completing CACFP training is a required step in the application process to receive program approval.
To provide the best quality of care for your children and ensure program compliance, your food service staff must be trained in:
- CACFP meal pattern standards
- Types of meals served
- Recordkeeping procedures
- Points of contact for questions or issues
- Proper health and sanitation techniques
Submit documentation
Upload all the required CACFP forms and documents as indicated in the SNP system. The Arkansas Department of Education’s District Operations, Special Nutrition Programs division will review your application and notify you of a pre-approval visit.
Schedule a pre-approval visit
During the pre-approval visit, federal and state agency representatives (and your sponsor, if you have one) will observe your operation, offer feedback, and ensure you’re ready to launch within CACFP guidelines.
Recordkeeping and documentation
Keeping accurate CACFP records is the backbone of claim submissions and USDA compliance. Whether you participate independently or through a sponsoring organization, you should maintain:
- Enrollment and attendance logs for each child, daily.
- Income eligibility determinations for free, reduced-price, or paid meals.
- Food purchase receipts if meals are prepared on-site.
- Daily menus showing each food item served, plus production records that detail quantities prepared in measurable units.
- Meal counts by type (breakfast, lunch, supper, supplements) for enrolled children, staff, and visitors.
Keep all records for five years after the end of the fiscal year to which they apply. Having clear, organized documentation helps you receive timely reimbursements and safeguards your center during reviews or audits.
Reimbursement process
Centers can claim up to three feedings per child per day—two meals (breakfast, lunch, or supper) plus one snack; or one meal plus two snacks.
Additionally, the annual rates are published each summer and vary by meal type, provider category, and family income eligibility (free, reduced-price, paid).
Note: CACFP funds must be used solely for program costs. Any surplus reimbursements must be used to improve, expand, or maintain your nonprofit meal service.
Ready to apply?
Participating in CACFP is a life-changing investment for your center’s future. It can improve the quality of care you provide, support staff training, and relieve budget pressures, so you can create a healthier environment for the children in your care.
Ready to take the first step? Visit the Special Nutrition Program Online Portal or contact the Arkansas Department of Education’s Special Nutrition Programs team at (501) 682-8869 or toll-free at 1-800-482-5850 ext. 28869.
Meet CACFP meal standards with Ordo’s support
Ordo delivers fresh, balanced meals that meet CACFP requirements at no extra cost. From menu planning to preparation and delivery, we handle all the details, so you can focus on running your center and spending more time with the children in your care.
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.
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.
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 Bright Horizons, Primrose, and more.
If you’re interested in providing fresh, healthy food for your school, you can reach out to the school partnerships team here.
