New Sponsors

USDA Child Nutrition Programs are regulated by the electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7. Additionally, the Washington Administrative Code and Revised Code of Washington govern Child Nutrition Programs in Washington state.

Steps to Operate a Child Nutrition Program

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Caring for Children at Home

If you provide care for children from your house, you could be eligible to receive reimbursements for meals you serve! Family Day Care Homes (FDCH) is an organized nonresidential child care program for children, generally 12 years of age or younger, operated in a private home, and licensed or approved to provide care. In order to participate in CACFP, FDCHs must enter into an agreement with a sponsoring organization.

If you're a FDCH provider, start by contacting a sponsoring organization that services your county.

New Child Nutrition Program Sponsors

IMPORTANT: Family Day Care Home Providers do not have to complete this step. Please refer to the Caring for Children at Home dropdown, above.

1. Watch So, You Want to Operate a Child Nutrition Program? (recorded webinar). This video is a high-level overview of CNPs and what you need to know to get started!
2. Watch the program-specific video in which you are interested in applying. This video reviews program-specific details.
   • So, You Want to Operate the CACFP? (recorded webinar)
   • So, You Want to Operate a School Meal Program? (recorded webinar)
   • So, You Want to Operate the SFSP? (recorded webinar)
3. Complete the New Sponsor Questionnaire. Use this checklist to ensure you have all documents ready to complete the questionnaire. Information entered in an unsubmitted or incomplete survey will be lost.
4. Expect an email from an OSPI CNS program specialist. We will review your submitted New Sponsor Questionnaire and provide next steps in the application process specific to the program(s) you would like to operate.
5. Once you have been approved to operate a Child Nutrition Program you will be required to enter into a Permanent Agreement with OSPI. For contents of the Permanent Agreement, please review the Sample Permanent Agreement. 

 

Current Child Nutrition Program Sponsors

New Sponsor Questionnaires submitted between July 1– September 1, each year are on hold to allow for current Sponsor application renewal. If your organization submits a questionnaire during this timeframe, a specialist will contact you in early September. Use the New Sponsor Application Flowchart to visualize the New Sponsor process.

• So, You Want to Operate a Child Nutrition Program? (recorded webinar)
• So, You Want to Operate the CACFP? (recorded webinar)
• CACFP New Sponsor Process Reference Sheet
• CACFP Certification of Organization Principals
• CACFP Nondiscrimination and Media Assurance
• CACFP Required Training Webpage
• CACFP Sample Media Release
• Financial Viability, Capability, and Accountability (VCA) Reference Sheet

Sign up for Important CACFP Information

We use these to share important information such as USDA Updates, WA state program updates, and good-to-knows.

1. Sign up to receive Child Nutrition Services updates.
2. Type your email, then select 'Submit'.
3. Scroll down to the Child Nutrition topic and expand.
4. Make sure to select Child and Adult Care Food Program and any other programs you would like to receive information for.

School Meal Programs

Use the New Sponsor Application Flowchart to visualize the New Sponsor process.

• So, You Want to Operate a Child Nutrition Program? (recorded webinar)
• So, You Want to Operate a School Meal Program? (recorded webinar)
• School Meal Program New Sponsor Process Reference Sheet
• School Meal Program New Sponsor Application Checklist
• School Meal Programs Monthly Requirements Reference Sheet
• Policy Statement for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
• School Breakfast Program Reference Sheet
• Program Requirements Chart
• Menu Certification Reference Sheet

Sign up for Important School Meal Programs Information

We use these to share important information such as USDA Updates, WA state program updates, and good-to-knows.

1. Sign up to receive Child Nutrition Services updates.
2. Type your email, then select 'Submit'.
3. Scroll down to the Child Nutrition topic and expand.
4. Select National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and any other programs you would like to receive information for.

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

Use the New Sponsor Application Flowchart to visualize the New Sponsor process.

• So, You Want to Operate a Child Nutrition Program? (recorded webinar)
• So, You Want to Operate the SFSP? (recorded webinar)
• SFSP New Sponsor Process Reference Sheet
• Summer Meals Comparison Chart
• SFSP Reference Sheet
• SFSP Sponsor Budget Reference Sheet
• Financial Viability, Capability, and Accountability (VCA) Reference Sheet
• SFSP Training Webpage

Sign up for Important Summer Meals Program Information

We use these to share important information such as USDA Updates, WA state program updates, and good-to-knows.

1. Sign up to receive Child Nutrition Services updates.
2. Type your email then select 'Submit'.
3. Scroll down to the Child Nutrition topic and expand.
4. Make sure to select Summer Food Service Program and any other programs you would like to receive information for.

Food Distribution Program (FDP)

• USDA Foods User Authorization Form - Gives access to the USDA Foods ordering system.
• Sponsor Application Instructions - Each year, sponsors must re-apply to use USDA Foods in the next School Year.
• Storage Facility Review - Sponsors participating in USDA Foods must review all storage facilities annually.
• Child Nutrition Food Distribution webpage
• Child Nutrition Ordering and Receiving webpage

Sign up for Important Food Distribution Program Information

We use these to share important information such as USDA Updates, WA state program updates, and good-to-knows.

1. Sign up to get email or text Child Nutrition Services updates.
2. Type your email in the correct box, then select 'Submit'.
3. Scroll down to the Child Nutrition topic and expand.
4. Make sure to select Food Distribution Program and any other programs you would like to receive information for.