Background of the CACFP Operational Emergency Costs in Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA):
In December 2020, Congress approved and the President signed into law a COVID-19 relief package to aid those recovering from the onset of the pandemic. CACFP Operational Emergency Costs were a part of this package. The intention of these funds is to cover overhead that does not change regardless of how many children are in care, for example: electricity, paying rent, staffing resources, etc. In order to help with money lost due to these operational costs, Congress allocated these funds to the CACFP.
Formula for Operational Emergency Costs: The calculation for funds to each participating provider and sponsor is based on replacing 55 percent of the total reimbursement funding lost for each claiming month from April 2020 to June 2020 plus half of March 2020.
Next Steps for Emergency Funding, USDA Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) Presentation:
Did my state apply for the funds?
Yes, 57 Child and Adult Care Food Program state plans were approved – all states/territory agencies opted in for the funds.
Has USDA released the funds to the states?
Yes, USDA has released all of the funds to every state totaling $353 million dollars for the CACFP reimbursement program. The states are required to disperse the funds by January 31, 2022.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
Family child care providers are eligible! Family child care providers who filed valid CACFP claims for any of the months of September 2020 through December 2020 are eligible. Additionally, family child care providers who provided an assurance statement to their CACFP sponsors that they will file a claim within the first 90 days after the end of the public health emergency are eligible. Your CACFP sponsor will be able to tell you if you’re eligible.
Do I have to do anything to receive my emergency cost reimbursement?
No, your CACFP sponsor and state agency are taking care of everything for you – unless you need to submit an assurance statement, which you only need to do if you did not claim the months of September through December 2020.
How much will I receive in emergency cost reimbursement?
The amount will vary from provider to provider. It is based on a calculation set by Congress. Sponsors are comparing your claims in the spring of 2020 – half of March, April, May and June – to your claims in the same months of 2019. Whatever that difference is, you will get 55% of that. If your reimbursement in 2020 was higher than your reimbursement in that same month of 2019, there will be no emergency cost reimbursement for that month.
Your CACFP sponsor is there to support you. If you have questions, please call them!
Watch this recording of a September 28 webinar with USDA.
For more information, check out this resource from our friends at the CACFP Roundtable.
