CACFP Reimbursement is a Nightmare

Anyone else feel like CACFP is more hassle than it’s worth? I run a small home daycare, and the amount of paperwork, meal tracking, and rigid rules make it feel like I’m working two jobs—caring for kids AND being a full-time admin.

By the time I actually get reimbursed, I’ve already spent way more out of pocket on groceries, and let’s be real, the rates don’t even cover the full cost of meals. Plus, the meal requirements are so specific that sometimes I feel like I’m spending more time tweaking menus than actually feeding the kids!

I get that it’s supposed to help, but between delays, audits, and the constant paperwork, it’s EXHAUSTING. Any tips from other providers on how to make this process suck less? Or is this just the reality we’re stuck with?