Becoming your own CACFP sponsor means contracting directly with your state agency — the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) for Texas centers — as an independent center instead of participating under a sponsoring organization. You apply through TX-UNPS, complete TDA’s required training, pass a pre-approval visit, and then submit your own monthly claims and keep the full reimbursement, while taking on the recordkeeping your sponsor used to handle.
Key takeaways
- An independent center holds its own CACFP agreement with the state agency and files its own claims (7 CFR 226.6(b) and 226.15).
- In Texas, the application runs through TX-UNPS and includes required training and a pre-approval visit (Form H1606-P).
- Independence means keeping the full reimbursement — and owning the budget, meal records, receipts, and review preparation a sponsor previously managed.
- Sponsors are the right fit for many centers; the switch makes sense when you have the staffing and systems to carry the paperwork.
Updated September 2026 · Checked against 7 CFR 226.6(b), 226.15 and TDA application guidance.
Is it Time to Become Your Own CACFP Sponsor?
- Are you tired of reporting to your sponsor?
- Maybe you’re sick of abiding by your sponsor’s rules and timelines. Do you dislike working with a middleman?
- Perhaps you’re not receiving the level of service and support you expect?
- Are you not getting value for the cut of reimbursement paid to your sponsor?
- Would you prefer to keep one hundred percent of your CACFP food program reimbursement?
If any of these issues seems familiar, it could be time for you to get your own contract with the program and become your own CACFP sponsor in Texas.
How to Become your own Food Program Sponsor
At CACFP Solutions, we guide you toward becoming a sponsor through our unique services. Our proven systems will reduce the time you spend on daily food program tasks and will help you maximize your CACFP reimbursement.
Our CACFP application services help you apply for — and get — your CACFP contract, so you’re able to eliminate the middleman and work directly with the CACFP.
Our food program software allows you to quickly and accurately record your CACFP data!
Our CACFP Contract support includes guidance about submitting applications, renewals, and amendments to ensure information is accurate.
Our CACFP administrative review services will help you prepare for audits and site visits and work through corrective action plans.
Our monthly CACFP claims processing services will help you make certain your documents are accurate and complete. We will help you maximize your reimbursement and prevent you from losing a significant percentage to a CACFP sponsor.
Are you ready to make the switch to CACFP self-sponsorship?
Ready to Claim 100% of Your Reimbursement?
If your center is ready to manage its own program, every claim cycle under a sponsor is reimbursement you could be receiving directly. Our Texas-based experts are ready to streamline your transition, minimize your paperwork, and maximize your mission.
Make the switch to CACFP self-sponsorship today!
For more than 30 years, we’ve guided countless organizations as they gained independence from program sponsors and received their own contracts with the CACFP food program. We are ready to help you! Schedule a meeting today!
Frequently asked questions
Can a child care center be its own CACFP sponsor?
Yes. A center that meets the state agency’s eligibility, financial viability, and management requirements can participate as an independent center with its own CACFP agreement, rather than as a sponsored site.
How long does it take to get your own CACFP contract in Texas?
Plan on several months. The TX-UNPS application, required training, budget and management plan, and TDA’s pre-approval visit each take time, and TDA reviews applications in the order received.
What does an independent center do that a sponsored center doesn’t?
It keeps its own budget and financial records, files the monthly claim, maintains the management plan, completes annual training, and answers directly to TDA during administrative reviews.
Do you lose anything by leaving a sponsor?
You give up the sponsor’s monitoring visits, training, and claim preparation. Many centers replace those with software and outside support; the trade-off is worth it only if the paperwork is covered.
Sources
- 7 CFR 226.6(b) — Application procedures for new institutions
- 7 CFR 226.15 — Institution provisions
- TDA CACFP application resources (squaremeals.org)