CACFP Civil Rights

Below you will find information regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food & Nutrition Service (FNS) policies and procedures about nondiscrimination in the administration of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Federal Nondiscrimination Statement (NDS)

CACFP operators must include the most current version of the federal nondiscrimination statement in a prominent location in all public information releases, publications, and on posters concerning nutrition program activities, except menus.  The current nondiscrimination statement, including translations of the statement, can be found on the  USDA Nondiscrimination Statement web page.

Short Statement

The short statement reads, "This institution is an equal opportunity provider."  The short statement may be used on flyers, posters, or documents that are one page by nature, in a font no smaller than the text.

Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.  For more information on Section 504, please visit the National Archives’ posting of Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, Subtitle A, Part 15b.  This web page contains the text of the Act as it applies to all programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance extended by the USDA.

Civil Rights Materials

• CDSS Bright Track Civil Rights Training (course 150):  This training fulfills the mandatory annual civil rights training for CACFP operators, as designated by USDA FNS Instruction 113-1.

• USDA Nondiscrimination Statement:  This contains the federal nondiscrimination statement.

• And Justice for All Poster:  “And Justice for All” posters must be prominently displayed in a public area at all sites that serve CACFP meals. The poster must be viewable by all participants and their family members or other caregivers.  Posters must be 11” wide by 17” tall and can be ordered at no cost to program operators by contacting us at CACFPCivilRights@dss.ca.gov.

• Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations in the CACFP (Form ID CACFP 97).  CACFP Operators may use this form, available in English and Spanish in the Download Forms section of the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS), to obtain the level of documentation required to implement a sound nutrition plan for participants with dietary restrictions due to a disability.

• Collection of Race and Ethnicity Data by Visual Observation and Identification: Frequently Asked Questions

Civil Rights and Program Complaints

Please Note:  Any complaints alleging discrimination will be forwarded to the USDA for investigation.

Complaints may be submitted to the CACFP Branch of the California Department of Social Services by phone at 916-651-5400 or by email us at CACFPCivilRights@dss.ca.gov.

Civil Rights Resources

• CACFP Meal Benefit Income Eligibility Form:  This page contains links to available translations of the applications for Limited English Proficiency households for free and reduced-price meals

Civil Rights Guides

• USDA - How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint

• United States Department of Justice - A Guide to Disability Rights Laws

• United States Department of Justice - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• USDA Food and Nutrition Service Instruction 113-1

USDA Contacts

• USDA Website

• USDA, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

• USDA, Food Nutrition Services, Office of Civil Rights

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.