The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set the income eligibility guidelines for students and adults to participate in free/reduced-price meal programs through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for 2020-2021. The CACFP is federally funded through the USDA and is administered by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), Division of School and Community Nutrition.
The program provides for nutritious meals and snacks to qualifying participants attending child care centers, day care homes, Head Start programs, adult day cares, homeless shelters and after-school programs. The program also works to establish positive eating habits at the earliest stages of development; reduces future health care and education costs by encouraging proper early development; and provides training and support of local center personnel.
Income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price meals are used to determine each participant’s eligibility.
Income Guidelines for Free/Reduced Price Meals Effective July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021
| Family Size | Free Meals Monthly Income | Free Meals Yearly Income | Reduced-Price Meals Monthly Income | Reduced-Price Meals Yearly Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,383 | $16,588 | $1,968 | $23,606 |
| 2 | $1,868 | $22,412 | $2,658 | $31,894 |
| 3 | $2,353 | $28,236 | $3,349 | $40,182 |
| 4 | $2,839 | $34,060 | $4,040 | $48,470 |
| 5 | $3,324 | $39,884 | $4,730 | $56,758 |
| 6 | $3,809 | $45,708 | $5,421 | $65,046 |
| 7 | $4,295 | $51,532 | $6,112 | $73,334 |
| 8 | $4,780 | $57,356 | $6,802 | $81,622 |
| For each additional family member add: | +$486 | +$5,824 | +$691 | +$8,288 |
Children who are eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) are automatically eligible to receive free meal benefits. Adult participants who are members of SNAP, FDPIR households, who receive Social Security Income (SSI) or are Medicaid participants also are automatically eligible to receive free meal benefits.
Centers participating in the CACFP agree not to charge a separate fee for meals above the cost of tuition. Independent institutions and sponsoring organizations must enter into agreements with the KDE to assume responsibility for CACFP operations. KDE assists institutions and sponsors by providing consultation, training, resources, and materials needed to make the program successful.
For more information about the CACFP, contact KDE’s Division of School and Community Nutrition at (502) 564-5625 or visit the CACFP homepage.
Leave A Comment