FAQ

Q: The children now bring sack lunches, and I only provide snacks. Is the program worth my while?

A: As a participating Child and Adult Care Food Program provider you would be able to serve healthy and nutritious lunches to the children because you would be reimbursed for those meals. Families would not have to provide those sack lunches and all the children would be eating the same foods. This program is very worthwhile, both from a financial and nutrition standpoint.

Q: I Don't furnish food now; the children bring food with them. How is the food program better?

A: Many providers who used to have parents send food are glad they joined the Food Program. They do not have the problems they used to when children wanted other children's food instead of their own. They do not have to worry about children not bringing enough food or dealing with parents who send junk food. You also get the benefit of the free training that is provided.

Q: What is FRAMAX?

A: FRAMAX is a private non-profit corporation founded in 1981 by FRAnk and MAXine Grayson. FRAMAX is chartered by the California Department of Education to sponser the United States Department of Agriculture CACFP. Our mission is to promote healthy enriching lives for children and their families. We accomplish this mission by serving as sponsors of the CACFP. As a sponsor, we provide resources, assistance and training to enable home childcare providers to provide nutritions meals and nutrition enducation for children.

Q: Is th is a Welfare program?

A: No, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a nutrition program for all children. Our government recognizes the need for good nutrition and nutrition education for all children. The program pays rate for each meal served up to a maximum of two major meals and one snack per child, per day. Participation in CACFP is regarded as one of the improtant components of a quality family childcare home. Accessible, quality childcare is a major part of the solution to getting people off of welfare.

Q: Don't government programs have a lot of paperwork?

A: The paperwork requirements, for you the provider, are very simple. After you enroll the children in your care, you only have to keep two records each day: 1) what foods you serve, and 2) an attendance record showing the children present and the meals they ate. We provide teh forms and you fill the information or enter the information online at your computer. It requires only a little of your time each day and the reimbursement is well worth the effort.

Q: Will you help me with my meal planning?

A: Yes, at your home visits your Field Representative will be happy to assist you with meal plans and nutritious recipes. We also offer a full set of sample menus, or show you how to plan your own menu systems.

Q: How much am I required to serve? I have one child that eats a lot and another who is a "picky" eater.

A: The Child Care Food Program establishes a minimum amount that must be prepared and offered, but you are never expected to force feed a child. You meet the requirements by offering the food, whether or not the children eat it.

Q: What else is involved? Are you going to "Police" me?

A: All sponsors are required to visit providers at least three (3) times a year. These visits are for the purpose of assisting you in complying with program requirements of nutritious meals and record keeping, and ensuring the intregrity of the program. The visit allows us an opportunity to respond to any questions, needs, or areas of confusion that you may have. We are concerned with helping you so you can provide your children with the best possible meals for the children entrusted to your care.

Q: How will this money affect my taxes?

A: Anyway you look at it you will come out money ahead on the program. Since you probably will spend more on fod than you receive in reimbursments, you would not pay additional taxes on the Food Program reimbursment. Taxes are a complicated subject and you should consult the IRS or your tax preparer for any advice.

Q: Can infants be on the program?

A: Yes. The rate of reimbursment is the same for infants as it is for older children, but the menu requirements differ. You Field Representative will explain CACFP requirements for infants which follow the normal developing eating patters of infants. You may even claim infants that are fed breast milk, or parent provided intant formula, on the CACFT.

Q: Can my own children be included on the program?

A: Although all daycare children are eligible until they turn 13 years old, your own children up to that age, can only be claimed if you meet certain income eligibility requirements. These requirements will be discussed with you at your introduction meeting.

Q: I care for foster children. Can I claim them on the Food Program?

A: Yes, as long as they are less than 13 years old and there are other children present inthe daycare and eating the same meal.

Q: What is a qualified license-exempt child care provider?

A: If you care for the children of only one other family, and/or children of a close relative, you do not have to have a child care license. If you are a license-exempt provider, and you have registered on the California Trustline, then you can participate on CACFP.

Q: Do I have to already have a license to begin the process of signing-up on the CACFP Program?

A: No. In fact, signing-up early can give you time to become familiar with program regulations and menu planning while you are completing the license process.