New Bill Adds 10 Cents Per Meal to Child and Adult Care Food Program Funding

This bill, the Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act of 2025, makes a targeted change to federal food programs. It amends Section 17 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to increase the money child and adult care providers get for feeding people in their care. Specifically, it adds an extra 10 cents, adjusted for inflation over time, to the reimbursement for every meal and supplement served through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This boost kicks in starting the first day of the month right after the bill becomes law.

Boosting the Budget for Bites

So, what does that extra dime actually mean? The CACFP helps daycare centers, after-school programs, and adult care facilities cover the cost of serving nutritious meals and snacks. This bill essentially gives providers a small raise for each plate they serve. That extra 10 cents per meal or snack might seem small, but it adds up quickly, especially for centers serving many kids or adults daily. For instance, a center providing lunch and two snacks to 50 children could see an extra $15 per day ($0.10 x 3 meal services x 50 children). The idea is this extra funding helps providers keep up with food costs and maintain or improve the quality of food served.

Covering All Care Settings

The increase isn't just for larger centers. The bill specifically updates the rules (under 42 U.S.C. 1766(f)(3)) for 'sponsoring organizations' – these are the groups that manage CACFP participation for networks of smaller, family or group day care homes. It ensures these home-based providers also benefit from the additional 10-cent reimbursement. The legislation also cleans up some existing language, removing a couple of clauses (Section 17(f)(3)(E) and clause (iii)) related to how these sponsoring organizations are paid, likely streamlining the process. Technical updates to consultation requirements and cross-references are also included, aiming for smoother administration within the existing framework of the National School Lunch Act.