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SPRINGFIELD — Families across Illinois can access nutritious meals and snacks through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a federally funded initiative administered by the Illinois State Board of Education that supports participating childcare centers, family daycare homes, after-school programs, and emergency shelters. "Nutritious food is foundational to healthy growth, development, and learning,"
said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "The Child and Adult Care Food Program helps ensure children have access to healthy meals each day while supporting families and care providers in communities across Illinois." Families can contact their childcare provider to find out if they participate in CACFP. Reimbursements for program sponsors are based on Income Eligibility Guidelines, which are updated annually by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Program sponsors use a direct certification process and applications to determine reimbursement data. Families may be asked to complete an application and provide income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program information. Currently, 616 sponsors operate at 1,350 childcare sites, and nine sponsors operate at 3,870 daycare homes throughout Illinois. CACFP provides reimbursement to participating providers for meals and snacks that meet federal nutrition standards, helping ensure children have access to healthy food in the settings where they learn, play, and receive care.
Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free Meals (130% Federal Poverty Guidelines)
Effective from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027
Free Meals – 130% Federal Poverty Guidelines
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Twice Per Month | Every Two Weeks | Weekly |
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| 1 | $20,748 | $1,729 | $865 | $798 | $399 |
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| 2 | $28,132 | $2,345 | $1,173 | $1,082 | $541 |
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| 3 | $35,516 | $2,960 | $1,480 | $1,366 | $683 |
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| 4 | $42,900 | $3,575 | $1,788 | $1,650 | $825 |
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| 5 | $50,284 | $4,191 | $2,096 | $1,934 | $967 |
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| 6 | $57,668 | $4,806 | $2,403 | $2,218 | $1,109 |
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| 7 | $65,052 | $5,421 | $2,711 | $2,502 | $1,251 |
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| 8 | $72,436 | $6,037 | $3,019 | $2,786 | $1,393 |
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| For each additional member, add: | $7,384 | $616 | $308 | $284 | $142 |
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Income Eligibility Guidelines for Reduced-Price Meals (185% Federal Poverty Guidelines)
Effective from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027
Reduced-Price Meals – 185% Federal Poverty Guidelines
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Twice Per Month | Every Two Weeks | Weekly |
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| 1 | $29,526 | $2,461 | $1,231 | $1,136 | $568 |
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| 2 | $40,034 | $3,337 | $1,669 | $1,540 | $770 |
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| 3 | $50,542 | $4,212 | $2,106 | $1,944 | $972 |
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| 4 | $61,050 | $5,088 | $2,544 | $2,349 | $1,175 |
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| 5 | $71,558 | $5,964 | $2,982 | $2,753 | $1,377 |
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| 6 | $82,066 | $6,839 | $3,420 | $3,157 | $1,579 |
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| 7 | $92,574 | $7,715 | $3,858 | $3,561 | $1,781 |
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| 8 | $103,082 | $8,591 | $4,296 | $3,965 | $1,983 |
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| For each additional member, add: | $10,508 | $876 | $438 | $405 | $203 |
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Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email:
program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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