Application Process
Review “Getting Started on the CACFP” Checklist and Submit Required Documents to NDE
If your center is new to the CACFP or has not participated in the CACFP in the previous fiscal year, the checklist includes some tips to help you through the application process. This checklist includes the documents that must be submitted to the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) before submitting an application.
Attend Required NDE CACFP Training for New Sponsors
The training consists of three sessions:
- CACFP Recordkeeping – 3.5 hours
- CACFP Meal Pattern and Production Records – 2.5 hours
- Infant Feeding – 1.5 hours
The individual(s) responsible for the administration and management of the CACFP must attend all three training sessions.
Food service staff are encouraged to attend the CACFP Meal Pattern and Production Records training.
Infant classroom staff are encouraged to attend the Infant Feeding training.
CACFP applications will only be approved if the required training has been completed within the six months prior to approval.
Centers located in Lexington or west of Lexington may contact the NDE main office to schedule training with a specialist from the North Platte office.
More information can be found on the CACFP Monthly Training webpage.
Submit the CACFP Online Application
- Submit a CNP Access Form. Completing this form gives you access to the CNP system and the CACFP application.
- Once receiving CNP access, complete and submit the application, including supporting documents.
Please ensure that every section of the application is complete before submitting it. Avoid submitting materials in separate parts; wait until you can submit the entire application and all supporting documentation together.
If an application is incomplete or changes are needed, you will be contacted by a CACFP Program Specialist to assist you in completing/updating your application. Please address these changes promptly. Applications that remain incomplete 60 days after the original submission date will be denied.
If you will be contracting with a vendor to provide meals, a food service contract must be submitted with your application. If your food service contract will exceed $50,000/year, please email nde.nsweb@nebraska.gov for additional instructions.
NDE CACFP Pre-Approval Visit
Upon the submission of a complete application, a CACFP Program Specialist will contact you to schedule a pre-approval visit with your organization. During this visit, the Specialist will provide one-on-one technical assistance and review CACFP requirements. Any maintained records may be reviewed by the Specialist(s).
First Month Records Submission and Review
New centers will be given instructions on where and how to submit these forms by a CACFP Program Specialist.
- The first month’s claim and monthly claim worksheet
- Copies of Free and Reduced-Price Income Eligibility Forms
- Menu production records
- Meal count sheets (record of meals and supplements served)
If records are reviewed during the pre-approval visit, the submission of some of these items may be waived.
Errors on claims will result in reimbursement deduction(s). If there are numerous errors, you will be required to submit records every month until they meet CACFP requirements. If your first claim is submitted correctly, no supporting documents will have to be submitted the following month. You must keep all records pertaining to the CACFP on file for four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
A staff member worked at another center and attended training within the last 6 months. Do they need to attend training again?
No, the staff member does not need to attend training again just because they now work at a different/new center, as long as the required training was completed within the last 6 months of when the application was submitted.
The Nutrition Services office maintains a database of all persons who have completed training. As part of the application, you will have to notify Nutrition Services of the name of the person who has completed training.
If more than six months have elapsed, the person will have to attend training class again.
How soon can I start claiming meals?
The earliest possible start date would be the first of the month when a COMPLETE application and all supporting documents are received by the Nebraska Department of Education. A member of the Nutrition Services staff must also make a “preapproval visit” to your center before your application can be approved.
Starting dates are dependent upon licensing dates, Title XIX and Title XX agreement dates, training dates, etc., so the start day will vary for each applicant institution. The Nebraska Department of Education will notify you in your approval letter of the start date of each site.
My center contracts with a food service vendor for meals. Should staff still attend the Meal Pattern and Production Records training?
Yes, the individual(s) responsible for CACFP administration and management must attend all three training sessions, including Meal Pattern and Production Records, regardless of if the center contracts meals.
Likewise, food service staff are encouraged to attend the CACFP Meal Pattern and Production Records training, as it’s still necessary for food service staff to be aware of the meal pattern requirements, portion sizes, creditable/non-creditable foods, and more.
Can I get help with the application process?
Yes, new centers are encouraged to contact our staff with questions regarding all aspects of the CACFP at nde.nsweb@nebraska.gov.
If you’ve already been working with a CACFP Program Specialist, you can find their contact information on the Contact Us page.