(Frankfort, KY) – 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 2018-2019.

The CACFP provides for nutritious meals and snacks to qualifying participants attending childcare centers, daycare homes, Headstart 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.

The program is federally funded through the USDA and is administered by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), Division of School and Community Nutrition.

The CACFP uses Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced-Price Meals to determine each participant’s eligibility.

Income Guidelines for Free/Reduced Price Meals, Effective July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019

Family SizeFree Meals Monthly IncomeFree Meals Yearly IncomeReduced-Price Meals Monthly IncomeReduced-Price Meals Yearly Income
1$1,316$15,782$1,872$22,459
2$1,784$21,398$2,538$30,451
3$2,252$27,014$3,204$38,443
4$2,720$32,630$3,870$46,435
5$3,188$38,246$4,536$54,427
6$3,656$43,862$5,202$62,419
7$4,124$49,478$5,868$70,411
8$4,592$55,094$6,534$78,403
For each additional family member add: +$468+$5,616+$666+$7,992

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 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, please contact KDE, Division of School and Community Nutrition, at (502) 564-5625 or visit the CACFP homepage.