CA Update on the CACFP Data Provision to the USDA for Claims Validation Review of CACFP Operations

Background

This month, the CACFP community has received communications from CDSS CACFP Branch about recent data shared with USDA FNS for the Claims Validation Review (CVR) and some upcoming site-visits.

We then held a Zoom pop-up meeting with CDSS CACFP Branch to provide clarification, where possible, about the process of anticipated visits, information shared, and what to expect. CDSS CACFP Branch answered questions they could until further direction was given by USDA FNS.

Update

Yesterday CDSS CACFP Branch sent out a notice that addressed many of the curiosities during the meeting.

In Summary:

• 132 sites have been chosen for Off-Site Reviews, these programs have been notified directly.

• If a program did not receive a notice, it has not been selected at this time

• FNS will be (subject to change) at the offices of CDSS the week of April 6-10

• There will be a small number of unannounced visits

• CDSS CACFP Branch staff intends to go with FNS staff on these visits

• Intention of visits - what you all are used to - observation of meals, accuracy of meal counting and claim procedures

• USDA identification will be with the staff participating in the on-site reviews

As individuals visit your programs, it's important to know your rights. USDA FNS is allowed to visit your programs in this manner, just as CDSS CACFP Branch staff and Sponsoring organizations. It IS within your rights to require they show you identification prior to letting them enter your program.

These are CACFP visits you're used to receiving. You've got this. Let us know if you have any questions, thoughts, or concerns. samantha@cacfproundtable.org

Know Your Rights Resources

While, USDA FNS, CDSS CACFP Branch and Sponsors are considered authorized visitors, there are a number of reasons you may be hesitant to engage with strangers attempting to enter your programs. Here are some some additional resources about knowing what your rights are when people ask to enter your program facilities.

• The 4th Amendments and Other Protections - slides from the presentation provided during the pop-up meeting

• Public Counsel - provides pro bono law for children, families, veterans, students, immigrants, nonprofits and small businesses

• BetTzedek – nonprofit that provides person-centered legal services that integrate with social support services, educate community members with the powerful knowledge of their legal rights, and uses our collective voice to reform systems

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March 10th, provided in simultaneous interpretation, experts will be joining us over Zoom to talk about understanding and navigating feeding challenges in CACFP. Learn more here and in English and Spanish. / El 10 de marzo, con interpretación simultánea, varios expertos se unirán a nosotros a través de Zoom para hablar sobre cómo comprender y afrontar los retos alimentarios en el CACFP. Más información aquí, en inglés y en español.