CACFP Civil Rights
Below you will find information regarding the United States 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
- California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Bright Track Civil Rights Training for Child Nutrition Programs online course and participant workbook. CACFP staff who do not have a Bright Track account can complete the annual civil rights training requirement (per Food and Nutrition Instruction 113-1: Civil Rights Compliance and Enforcement) by selecting the English or Spanish version of the Civil Rights Training for Child Nutrition Programs course and accompanying participant workbook below. At the end of the course, individuals will be prompted to complete an online form which will allow them to receive a dated certificate of completion by email.
English version
(English participant workbook)
Spanish version
(Spanish participant workbook)
- 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.
Civil Rights and Program Complaints
Complaints may be submitted to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Branch using the Complaint Submission Form.
Please Note: This form is for you to submit complaints related to the CACFP. Any complaints alleging discrimination will be forwarded to the USDA for investigation.
If you have questions about using this form, or if you would prefer to submit a complaint by phone or email, please contact CACFP Branch at 916-651-5400 or by email 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 Contacts
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.