This handbook is for state agency monitoring staff and provides detail for administering the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The CACFP is a federally-funded program that provides payments for eligible meals served to participants who meet age and income requirements. Meals served by participating institutions and facilities must meet minimum guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The CACFP helps institutions and facilities serve well-balanced, nutritious meals to the participants in their care. Serving nutritious meals helps improve and maintain the health and nutritional status of participants in a day care environment and can help them develop and maintain good eating habits.