Struggling With Grocery Costs? Texas Program Offers Big Help for Families

Texas has been taking steps towards providing healthier food options for families of all sizes and salaries. One key element of this mission is the application of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Healthy Food for All in Texas

In a recent release from Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, he reminded Texans to take advantage of CACFP if their family falls within certain criteria.

The goal of CACFP is to improve overall health and nutritional wellness in all Texans, young and old. I don't know if you've been grocery-shopping lately, but on top of groceries in general being a tad higher than normal, anything with "fresh" or "organic" on the packaging is typically about twice the price of everything else.

So, how is Texas addressing these unfeasibly high prices for healthy foods? This is where this food program comes into effect.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, CACFP reimburses adult day care centers and child care centers for portions of the costs associated with serving over 400,000 meals to children and adults across Texas.

Who is Eligible for CACFP?

The following groups in Texas are automatically qualified for CACFP assistance:

• Children in households getting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
• Foster children placed with a caregiver by the state
• Adults who receive SNAP benefits, Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

You can check out the release from Ag Commissioner Sid Miller to see the full list of who is qualified.

You can also see the reduced prices for daily meals depending on the size of the household and the household income in Texas.

For example, a family of four with an annual income of $41,795 will be eligible for free meals, but if the income surpasses $59,000, then the cost of each meal will be only reduced.

How to Apply for CACFP Benefits in Texas

To apply for these free or reduced-price meals in Texas, you can "request an application from your childcare center, adult day care center, or day care home provider," Sid Miller's release states.

To find your nearest care center or day care that offers CACFP benefits, you can call (877) TEX-MEAL.