Partial Government Shutdown: CACFP Funded through Sept. 2026
- Samantha Marshall
- Feb 2
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Updated 2/5/2026
The government reopened on February 3, 2026, when a bi-partisan funding bill was passed and signed by President Trump. Members of Congress took out the funding of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as there was wide disagreement about increasing funding for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). DHS is flat-funded for the next two weeks as Members of Congress in both chambers attempt to come to an agreement about ICE funding and rules.
There were modest increases for the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and Head Start and funds were appropriated for the Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five (PDG B-5). See the exact amounts at First Five Years Fund.
It also includes funding for 21st CCLC and other afterschool and summer learning supports. Get the details on the Afterschool Alliance website.
The government is in a partial shut down currently. The programs you operate, including CACFP, will not be impacted.
A Quick Overview
USDA was funded during the last spending package through September 2026. CACFP operations are not impacted.
The House passed a six bill package and that package was sent to the Senate for a vote.
The Senate decided to pass a 5-bill package to fund other parts of the government
The Senate decided to write and vote for a continuing resolution to determine funding for the Department of Homeland Security different from the House bill
The House now needs to vote on the Senate bills because they aren't the same as what was sent over to the Senate.
This is where things stand on 2/2/2026
This explainer chart provides insight into how these negotiations impact agencies as well as what agencies will continue to be funded regardless of federal government shut downs.
At this time, all programs you operate are safe and funded.
Questions, thoughts, concerns? We always love to hear
from you. samantha@cacfproundtable.org
Learning events have been updated! Check out the CACFP Leadership Institute, Roundtable Deep Dive Become a Mealtime Ally: Understanding & Navigating Feeding Challenges in CACFP Settings, Annual CACFP Conference, and our upcoming March Member and Family Child Care Community of Wellness!
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