CACFP At-Risk Afterschool programs support eligible organizations that provide structured afterschool care activities and qualifying meals or snacks to children and youth in eligible areas.

Participation requirements may depend on factors such as program location, the population served, operating hours, afterschool activities, meal service, organizational structure, jurisdiction, and other applicable CACFP requirements.

HCS helps prospective At-Risk programs understand the sponsorship process and the information needed to determine whether participation may be appropriate.

HCS provides ongoing sponsorship and administrative support designed to help participating At-Risk Afterschool Sites manage CACFP responsibilities throughout the program year.

Support may include:

• Sponsorship and program administration

• Claims review and reimbursement processing

• Monitoring and technical assistance

• CACFP training and education

• Recordkeeping and documentation guidance

• Meal-service and menu support

• Communication regarding program requirements

• Corrective follow-up when needed

• Forms, templates, and program resources

The exact support provided depends on applicable CACFP requirements, HCS procedures, and the site’s participation status.

At-Risk Afterschool Sites interested in HCS sponsorship may be asked to provide information regarding the organization, program location, afterschool activities, operating schedule, children or youth served, meal service, current CACFP participation, and other documentation needed for enrollment or sponsorship review.

HCS may also review whether the site currently participates in CACFP, whether another sponsor is involved, and whether additional program or jurisdiction-specific requirements apply.

Enrollment is completed only after applicable eligibility, documentation, and HCS participation requirements have been satisfied.

Participating At-Risk Afterschool Sites are responsible for maintaining accurate records that support CACFP meal and snack claims.

Depending on program requirements, records may include:

• Daily meal or snack counts

• Attendance or participation records

• Menus

• Program schedules

• Meal-service documentation

• Site eligibility documentation when applicable

• Other required supporting records

HCS reviews required claim information and supporting documentation, processes eligible meal claims, and administers reimbursement-related activities in accordance with applicable CACFP requirements.

Only eligible and properly supported meals and snacks may be included in reimbursement claims.

HCS conducts required monitoring of participating At-Risk Afterschool Sites and provides technical assistance to support effective CACFP operations.

Monitoring may include review of:

• Meal and snack service

• Meal counts

• Attendance or participation

• Menus

• Required records

• Training completion

• Civil rights responsibilities

• Program procedures

• Documentation practices

• Other applicable CACFP requirements

When concerns or needed corrections are identified, HCS may provide technical assistance, follow-up guidance, or corrective-action support as required.

HCS provides required and supplemental CACFP training to help At-Risk Afterschool program staff understand program responsibilities and maintain organized program operations.

Training topics may include:

• CACFP meal-pattern requirements

• Meal and snack counting and claiming

• Recordkeeping

• Civil rights requirements

• Monitoring expectations

• Claims procedures

• Participation documentation

• Food-service practices

• Program updates

• Other applicable CACFP requirements

Additional training may be provided when program changes, monitoring results, or operational needs indicate that further support would be helpful.

Accurate and organized documentation is essential to successful CACFP participation.

HCS helps participating At-Risk Afterschool Sites understand which records must be maintained and how those records support program administration and reimbursement claims.

Depending on the program and jurisdiction, required records may include:

• Meal or snack counts

• Attendance or participation records

• Menus

• Program schedules

• Site eligibility documentation

• Training records

• Monitoring records

• Meal-service records

• Other required CACFP records

HCS may provide forms, templates, instructions, and technical guidance to help sites maintain consistent documentation practices.

HCS is continuing to expand its CACFP sponsorship services in Maryland.

If HCS sponsorship for At-Risk Afterschool Sites is not yet available at the time you inquire, Maryland organizations may join the HCS Maryland Sponsorship Interest List to request future contact as sponsorship opportunities expand.

Joining the Interest List allows HCS to maintain your organization’s contact information and notify you if At-Risk Afterschool sponsorship becomes available.

Placement on the Interest List does not guarantee CACFP eligibility, enrollment, approval, or future sponsorship.

HCS provides CACFP sponsorship and program support for eligible At-Risk Afterschool Sites in the District of Columbia within its approved program scope.

DC organizations may contact HCS regarding enrollment, current CACFP participation, claims administration, monitoring, training, recordkeeping, and other sponsorship-related needs.

District-specific requirements and HCS procedures will be reviewed as part of the participation process.