CACFP Monthly Food Program Compliance Audit
CACFP reimbursement requires precise monthly documentation of meal counts, meal pattern compliance, and food production records. This audit checklist verifies all CACFP requirements are met before monthly claim submission, reducing the risk of claim disallowance and audit findings.
- Industry: Childcare and Education
- Frequency: Monthly before claim submission
- Estimated Time: 90 minutes
- Role: Food Program Director / Site Coordinator
- Total Items: 30
Meal Count Documentation
Verify daily meal count records complete.
- Daily meal counts recorded for every operating day in the month?
- Counts separated by meal type (breakfast, lunch, AM snack, PM snack)?
- Counts do not exceed licensed capacity or daily attendance?
- Meal counts reconciled with daily attendance records?
- Monthly meal count summary completed for each meal type?
Meal Pattern Compliance
Verify meal patterns meet USDA requirements.
- All menus documented with specific foods and amounts served?
- All reimbursable meals met all required meal pattern components?
- Only USDA-creditable foods claimed for reimbursement?
- At least one whole grain-rich food served at each breakfast and lunch?
- No juice served to infants per updated 2017 CACFP requirements?
Food Production Records
Verify food production records complete.
- Food production records completed for every day meals served?
- Production records show both planned and actual quantities?
- Leftovers and substitutions documented with reason?
- CN labels or product formulation statements on file for processed foods claimed?
- Food temperature logs attached to production records?
Enrollment and Eligibility Documentation
Verify enrollment forms current.
- Current year enrollment forms on file for all children claimed?
- Income eligibility forms (for tier II sites) on file and verified?
- Only enrolled children claimed for reimbursement?
- No expired enrollment forms used for current month's claim?
- Medical diet substitution forms current for children with diet modifications?
Civil Rights Requirements
Verify civil rights compliance.
- USDA nondiscrimination poster displayed in meal service area?
- USDA nondiscrimination statement on all program materials?
- Reasonable accommodations provided for children with disabilities?
- Meal program information available in languages of significant parent populations?
- Procedure for filing civil rights complaints posted?
Monthly Claim Submission
Complete final claim submission.
- Monthly claim calculated using accurate meal counts and reimbursement rates?
- Claim submitted to state agency or sponsor within required timeframe (60 days)?
- All supporting records retained per CACFP 3-year retention requirement?
- Any prior month claim issues or adjustments resolved?
- All records available for state agency or sponsor monitoring visit?
Related Childcare Education Checklists
- Childcare Special Diet and Food Allergy Management
- Childcare Mealtime Supervision and Nutrition Observation
- Childcare Center Menu Planning and CACFP Compliance Review
- Childcare Kitchen and Food Service Daily Sanitation Inspection
- Childcare Afternoon Dismissal and Transportation Safety Protocol
- Childcare Facility Alleged Abuse or Neglect Response Protocol
- Childcare Playground Seasonal Safety Inspection
- Childcare Stranger Safety and Authorized Pickup Security Protocol
Related Nutrition Meals Checklists
- CACFP Menu Planning and Nutritional Compliance Review - FREE Download
- Childcare Food Allergy Management Compliance - FREE Download
- Childcare Nutrition Education and Healthy Eating Program - FREE Download
- Childcare Special Diet and Food Allergy Management - FREE Download
- Childcare Mealtime Supervision and Nutrition Observation - FREE Download
- Childcare Center Menu Planning and CACFP Compliance Review - FREE Download
- Childcare Kitchen and Food Service Daily Sanitation Inspection - FREE Download
Why Use This CACFP Monthly Food Program Compliance Audit?
This cacfp monthly food program compliance audit helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for food program director / site coordinator professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly before claim submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CACFP Monthly Food Program Compliance Audit cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Meal Count Documentation, Meal Pattern Compliance, Food Production Records, Enrollment and Eligibility Documentation, Civil Rights Requirements, Monthly Claim Submission. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly before claim submission. Each completion takes approximately 90 minutes.
Who should use this CACFP Monthly Food Program Compliance Audit?
This checklist is designed for Food Program Director / Site Coordinator professionals in the childcare and education industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.