What is the At-Risk Afterschool Meals component of CACFP?
The At-Risk Afterschool Meals component is a separate CACFP program that lets eligible sites serve meals or snacks to children after school hours, on weekends, and during school holidays. It’s designed for older children (typically up to age 18, or 21 if disabled) and is structured differently from the standard daycare meal program.
How does a site qualify as At-Risk?
A site qualifies if it’s located in the attendance area of a school where at least 50% of children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This is established using school attendance-zone data, not individual child enrollment records. The school’s eligibility data — published by the local school district or the Texas Education Agency — determines whether the area qualifies.
How do I prove my site is in a qualifying area?
You don’t have to certify each child individually. Instead, provide documentation of the qualifying school’s F/R eligibility percentage, which can typically be obtained from:
- The local Independent School District (ISD)
- The Texas Education Agency (TEA) free/reduced data tables
- TDA’s reference materials, which we can help you locate
We help confirm the qualifying school and pull the supporting data when you apply.
How is At-Risk different from a regular CACFP daycare?
| Aspect | Standard CACFP Daycare | At-Risk Afterschool |
|---|---|---|
| Operating hours | During regular childcare hours | After school, weekends, school holidays |
| Ages served | Birth through age 12 (typically) | Up to age 18 (21 if disabled) |
| Eligibility model | Each child’s F/R status tracked | Site located in 50%+ F/R school area |
| Meal types claimable | Breakfast, lunch, snacks, supper | Snack + one meal (usually supper) |
If you operate both regular daycare and an afterschool program, they may be set up as separate CACFP components within your sponsorship.
Does my For-Profit status affect At-Risk eligibility?
The 25% subsidized-children rule for For-Profit centers does not apply to the At-Risk component. At-Risk qualification is based on the school’s area data, not your center’s enrollment. However, your center must still meet other CACFP participation requirements.