The Illinois State Board of Education has announced the income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price meals at child care centers and homes participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by ISBE. In fiscal year 2023, sponsors participating in the program served more than 35.9 million meals and more than 21.6 million snacks – totaling more than 57.5 million meals and snacks. All participating child care centers and day care homes must provide meals to enrolled children at no additional charge. Parents or guardians should contact their child care center or day care home provider to find out if they participate in CACFP. The program serves sites in 95 counties across Illinois, with 584 sponsors operating at 1,208 child care sites and 10 sponsors operating at 3,628 day care homes. Reimbursements for program sponsors are based on Income Eligibility Guidelines, which are updated annually by the USDA. Program sponsors use a direct certification process and applications to determine reimbursement data. Families may be asked to complete an application and provide income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program information.  For more information, visit www.isbe.net