What are the Pros and Cons of Working with a Sponsor?

Are you currently participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) or thinking about joining? Let’s chat about whether a CACFP sponsorship is the way to go or if there’s a better choice out there for you. 

Your decision can shape your food program’s success, so let’s explore the perks and downsides of each option. 

Pros of Participating with a CACFP Sponsor

• Streamlined Entry into the Program: Sponsors offer a quick way to begin participation in the food program. They provide initial training and guidance to help you get started, making them an option for centers with little to no experience in the CACFP.
• One-Size Fits All Program: Sponsors offer a standardized set of business processes and tools, allowing you to integrate the CACFP into your center’s operations without creating everything from scratch.

Cons of Participating with a CACFP Sponsor

• Reduced Control and Choices: When you participate under a sponsor, you have to stick to their rules, and you may want more say in how the program is run.
• Lack of Individualized Attention: Sponsors often manage many centers, which makes it hard for them to offer personalized support.
• Frequent Monitoring Visits: Quarterly visits from your sponsor can be frustrating and require extra time and effort from your staff. 
• Communication Issues: Connecting with a sponsor may be difficult because they sometimes only use phone or email and lack a system to track and respond to inquiries promptly to ensure the issue is resolved.  Further complicating matters are limited contact hours and/or a shortage of staff available and qualified to respond.
• Financial Concerns: Delays in receiving your monthly reimbursement and the 15% fee deducted can negatively impact your center’s finances. 

Should You Partner with a CACFP Support Team? 

Did you know a CACFP Support Team can offer you the same services as a sponsor, without any of the drawbacks?  Win-win, right?

If you prefer to operate the CACFP on your own terms while still receiving expert help, partnering with a CACFP Support Team is the perfect option. 

Imagine working with an all-inclusive CACFP solution that lets you customize the CACFP services you want while providing expert assistance. 

Whether you’re new to the program or have years of experience, this tailored approach meets you where you are in your CACFP journey.

This collaboration empowers you to…

• • Maximize Monthly Reimbursements: get faster claim processing and learn tips to optimize your reimbursements.

• • Access to CACFP Professionals: Leverage the experience of trained CACFP professionals, including former CACFP state agency personnel. 

• • Retain Program Control: Complete autonomy over your CACFP program and how you want to structure it. 

• • Go All-Digital: Ditch the paper and simplify program documentation with an all-digital solution, including:

     

    • • enrollment and income eligibility forms
    • • one-click meal records
    • •  digital time distribution reports
    • • customized app for receipt uploads

• • Access Multi-channel Support: Receive assistance through phone, email, or text. Get access to an online library of training resources specific to your program.  You’ll have assistance available 24/7 to meet your schedule.

To wrap things up, A CACFP support team provides top-notch resources, digital tools, and expert advice for managing your CACFP without the downsides of working with a sponsor.

Are you interested in learning more about this option?

Reach Out Today

If you’re ready to take control of your CACFP experience, contact us at CACFP Solutions (512-657-8036). 

We offer the tools and support you need to thrive, ensuring you stay in the driver’s seat every step of the way. Let’s make your CACFP a breeze!