The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce's Office of Nutrition issued a CACFP items bulletin for Oct. 12–16, 2026, listing upcoming compliance deadlines and program updates for sponsors.
Sponsors must update and recertify their Claims Reimbursement and Reporting System application by Oct. 15, according to the bulletin. Missing that date may lead to a serious deficiency determination and affect CACFP participation or reimbursement claims, the department warned.
For fiscal year 2025-2026, claims covering October 2025 through September 2026 must be error-free and submitted for payment by Dec. 15, the bulletin states. Claims marked Error or Pending need correction or a One-time Exception request; accepted claims older than seven days should be reopened to check for payment-withholding warnings.
The bulletin also reminds CACFP centers that donated foods from parents, farmers, or community members are allowed but must be tracked on the Donated Food Log. Home-canned products and wild game are prohibited, and donations bought with WIC funds cannot be accepted. Sponsors cannot solicit donations but must maintain records.
On corrective action responses, the department said AI tools may speed work but sponsors remain responsible for reviewing, customizing, and implementing submitted policies. Follow-up reviews will verify changes are in daily operations.
A direct final rule on Simplified Geographic Preference Procurement in Child Nutrition Programs was published Sept. 9, 2026, and takes effect Nov. 9, 2026. The bulletin says it clarifies existing requirements without changing policy or implementation. FY 2027 CACFP and SFSP area eligibility data and an updated mapping tool are also available.
Training dates include Nov. 3 recordkeeping training at Ohio Department of Public Safety and Nov. 5 meal pattern training at Gahanna Library. All sponsors must complete required annual online trainings.