Emergency shelters serving meals to residents aged 24 and younger are eligible to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, receiving the highest rate of payment for those meals.

If you represent a public or private nonprofit organization that provides emergency shelter to youth and children, reach out to us to find out how you can participate in the Food Program.

How the Food Program Works

Emergency Shelters Follow These Main Requirements

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    Meal Pattern: Serve foods to enrolled children according to the Food Program meal pattern guidelines
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    Recordkeeping: Record attendance and meals using free online recordkeeping system
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    Annual Training: Complete a minimum two-hour nutrition training each year
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    Civil Rights: Provide CACFP benefits to children without regard to race, color, sex, handicap or national origin
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    Claims: Submit monthly claim by the 3rd of the following month

While Nutrition Works Offers the Following

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    Monthly Reimbursement: Payment for up to 2 meals and 1 snack or 2 snacks and 1 meal for each enrolled child each day (paid by direct deposit or mailed check on 3rd Friday of the month)
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    Resources: Monthly newsletters, online resource center, and annual training to keep you updated on the program, nutrition issues, recipes, and other best practices
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    Reviews: An assigned staff member will visit your site to observe snack or mealtime at least 3 times a year and provide technical assistance as needed.

Ready to Join?

Getting Started on the Food Program

Complete an application by calling us or beginning the process online.
Enroll children in our online record keeping system.
Participate in an orientation program and a pre-approval visit.
Ensure required information is added to online recordkeeping system.
Your Reviewer approves your official start date and you begin claiming!

Join hundreds of Idaho Child Care Providers participating in the Food Program!
Call us at 208-336-5533 or start your application online today.

Have some additional questions? Check out our FAQ page.

*Your specific situation may result in a reimbursement amount that is significantly higher or lower depending on the number of children served each day.

Reimbursement Rates for Emergency Shelters
July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023

BreakfastLunch / SupperSnack
$2.21$4.03$1.18