Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Cash-in-Lieu of USDA Foods Survey

Every two years, the California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) surveys Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Operators to determine the statewide interest in receiving either U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods entitlement or cash-in-lieu (CIL). Based on past survey results, currently all CACFP Operators receive CIL.

For each lunch and supper claimed, CACFP Operators receive an additional $0.2450, referred to as CIL of USDA Foods. For example, a center operator currently receives $3.755 for a lunch or supper reimbursed at the free rate—$0.2450 of this amount is the CIL.

It is important to note that a CACFP Operator cannot receive both the additional $0.2450 CIL and USDA Foods entitlement.

For a current USDA Foods Price List containing products offered, quantities, and estimated entitlement prices, please visit the CDE USDA Foods Program Information web page.

The next survey to determine CACFP CIL or USDA Foods entitlement is scheduled for release in Program Year (PY) 2022–23, and we encourage CACFP Operators to participate in this survey. The NSD will use the feedback to determine viable USDA Foods options in the future.

Please complete the PY 2020-21 CIL survey.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding this subject, please contact your CACFP County Specialist. The County Specialist list for the CACFP is available in the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS) Download Forms section, Form ID CACFP 01.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Friday, March 26, 2021
Share this Page
Share via Email icon Share with Twitter icon Share with Facebook icon Share with LinkedIn icon Share via Link icon
Related Content
  • Child and Adult Care Food Program
    This web page includes background information, steps on how to apply, the Administrative Manual, meal pattern requirements, claiming information, policy guidance, compliance, trainings, resources, and contacts for program operators.
  • Meal Patterns & Menu Planning
    Information and resources on the federally mandated meal patterns, menu planning options, and meal documentation requirements for all child nutrition programs.
  • Nutrition
    Resources and information related to child nutrition, nutrition education, food distribution programs, and the Child Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory Council.
  • Rates, Eligibility Scales, & Funding
    Child Nutrition Programs reimbursement rates, annual eligibility scales, and funding information.
  • USDA Foods Program Information
    Information regarding U.S. Department of Agriculture Foods for participants of the National School Lunch and Summer Food Programs.
Trending in Nutrition
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • Mandatory FDP Contract Packet Update SY 2021–22 (added 13-Apr-2021)
    The California Department of Education (CDE) Food Distribution Program (FDP) is reminding agencies to update and submit their School Year 2021–22 FDP contract in the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS) FDP module by July 31, 2021.
  • School Nutrition Program Integrity Plan (added 13-Apr-2021)
    The School Nutrition Program (SNP) Integrity Plan Guide will assist program operators in the development of standard operating procedures and help identify some of the required documents to collect and maintain to meet SNP requirements.
  • Milk Requirements in the Child Nutrition Programs (added 13-Apr-2021)
    This web page provides the milk requirements for the Child Nutrition Programs (CNP), including the meal pattern requirements, types of milks to offer, milk substitute forms, nutrient standards for milk, policy guidance, FAQs, and contacts.
  • Child Nutrition Program Resources Slides (added 09-Apr-2021)
    Web page provides information on Team Nutrition Child Nutrition Program (CNP) resources slides. CNP Operators can use slides to learn about school meals resources, Child and Adult Care Food Program resources, and summer meals resources.
  • Nationwide Waiver for CEP Deadlines (added 05-Apr-2021)
    Based on the public health emergency due to COVID-19, the USDA FNS established a nationwide waiver that makes adjustments to annual CEP deadlines to support the CEP while schools are responding to COVID-19.

  • SFSP Mandatory Training is Now Available (added 05-Apr-2021)
    California Department of Education Nutrition Services Division (NSD) Community Nutrition Programs Unit (CNPU) is pleased to announce that the 2021 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) annual online Mandatory Training is now available.
  • February 23, 2021 Tuesday at 2 Webinar (added 01-Apr-2021)
    School Nutrition Town Hall webinar on February 23, 2021 for school food service operators, chief business officials, and community partners.
  • Income Eligibility Scales for School Year 2021–22 (added 29-Mar-2021)
    Information regarding the addition of the Income Eligibility Guidelines for School Year (SY) 2021–22 to the California Department of Education Website.
  • Using the Crediting Handbook for CACFP Operators (added 29-Mar-2021)
    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Meal Pattern Compliance–Part One: Using the Crediting Handbook for CACFP Operators online course.
  • Using the USDA Online Food Buying Guide (added 29-Mar-2021)
    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Meal Pattern Compliance–Part Two: Using the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Online Food Buying Guide (FBG) online course.