Joining CACFP in New Hampshire: What child care centers need to know

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) reimburses child care centers for nutritious, USDA-approved meals and snacks provided to children. It aims to promote wellness, healthy growth, and development across the United States.

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In New Hampshire, the Department of Education oversees CACFP, managing the application process, training, reimbursement, and renewal. Our guide below will walk you through everything you need to know to qualify, apply, and receive reimbursements from the program.

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Eligibility requirements

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To qualify for CACFP, child care centers must:

• Be a licensed or license-exempt child care center.
• Enroll children under the age of 13.
• Keep daily attendance records.
• Maintain menu records and meal attendance.

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How to apply for CACFP in New Hampshire for child care centers

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1. Contact NHDOE to begin the application process

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Reach out to the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE) for guidance on the CACFP application and to gain access to the MyNHDOE system.

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Here’s who you should contact:

Patty Carignan, Child Nutrition Finance Manager

• Email: patricia.j.carignan@doe.nh.gov
• Phone: 603-406-0696 OR 603-271-3862

Bridget Resse, Program Specialist

• Email: bridget.r.resse@doe.nh.gov
• Phone: 603-406-1565

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2. Complete the New Hampshire application checklist

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Gather and submit the required documents through MyNHDOE. Key materials include:

• CACFP Application Checklist
• Attestation of Renewal
• Management Plan
• Permanent Agreement CACFP FY25
• VCA Questionnaire
• Procurement Policy & Code of Conduct Policy
• Current Child Care License

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3. Complete CACFP training

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Applicants must complete training before approval. These sessions offer updates on program changes, achievements, and challenges. View the CACFP information buffet schedule, provided by NHDOE online via Zoom, and access past training sessions on the NHDOE YouTube Page.

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Some of the topics include:

• Menu planning
• Production records
• Meal production
• Civil rights
• Financial management training
• Monitoring requirements
• Developing a Corrective Action Plan (CAP)

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4. Schedule a pre-operational visit

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After your documents have been received and verified for completeness and accuracy, schedule a pre-operational visit. The site monitor will review compliance and ensure readiness before meal service begins. For more details, refer to the CACFP Pre-Operational Visit Form.

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5. Submit your online application and wait for approval

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Once all steps are completed, submit the final application via MyNHDOE and await approval.

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Recordkeeping and documentation

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To ensure compliance and a hassle-free monthly reimbursement process, accurate recordkeeping is essential. Required records include:

• Income eligibility applications
• Daily meal participation and attendance records
• Food receipts, menus, and production records
• Infant menu records (if applicable)

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These records must be kept for three years plus the current year, following the federal fiscal year (October 1 - September 30).

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Reimbursement process

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Claims must be submitted by the 10th of the following month and will be reimbursed based on the current rates. Late claims adhere to the USDA 60-day rule, with a one-time waiver every three years.

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Ready to apply?

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Applying for CACFP could be a game-changer for your child care center in New Hampshire. It’s an opportunity to improve the quality of your center, making meals healthier and accessible for the children you care for. If you’re ready to learn more about how to navigate the application process, reach out to NHDOE today!

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To get started with CACFP in New Hampshire, reach out to the following:

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Patty Carignan, Child Nutrition Finance Manager

• Email: patricia.j.carignan@doe.nh.gov
• Phone: 603-406-0696 OR 603-271-3862

Bridget Resse, Program Specialist

• Email: bridget.r.resse@doe.nh.gov
• Phone: 603-406-1565

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Meet CACFP meal standards with Ordo’s support

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Let Ordo handle the food prep while you focus on nurturing the children in your care. We’ll ensure your center receives healthy, CACFP-compliant meals, all without any additional cost. As your food service partner, we take the stress out of meeting meal standards, so you can keep your attention where it’s needed most.

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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.