Nutrition First

Reimbursement

USDA publishes the federal reimbursement annually. Reimbursements are based on the number of meals served to enrolled children, multiplied by the appropriate reimbursement rate for each meal approved to serve. Using the software KidKare, Nutrition First receives, approves, and processes claims. Reimbursement for meals served in Family Day Care Homes is based upon eligibility for Tier I or the lower rate of Tier II. Income information is kept confidential at all times.

How do you submit your menu?

Claims must be submitted by the 5th of each month. Claims not received by the 5th will not be reimbursed until the following month. Once you have finished entering claim data for the month, you must submit your claim to your sponsor for processing.

  1. From the menu to the left, click Claims. The List Claims page opens.
  2. Click Submit in the Submitted column.
  3. Click Yes at the agreement prompt. Your claim is submitted to your sponsor, and the Submitted button is replaced with the date you submitted the claim.

When will you get paid?

If your menu is submitted on time, you will either receive your reimbursement by direct deposit or your paper check will be mailed to you within a few weeks of submission, usually around the 3rd or 4th week of the month.

How much can you be paid?

The actual amount you receive will vary depending on the number of children actually in attendance at meals each day. Providers may be paid for a maximum of 2 meals and 1 snack, or 2 snacks and 1 meal per child per day. These meals and snacks must comply with the USDA meal pattern guidelines in order to be reimbursed. Please call us with any questions about your tier reimbursement level, which is set according to your school district and/or family income levels. We’d like to help you receive all of the reimbursement you are entitled to. Each year cash reimbursements are established by Congress.

From July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 reimbursement rates are:

Tier 1

  • Breakfast: $1.66 per child
  • Lunch & Dinner: $3.15 per child
  • Snacks: $0.93 per child

Tier 2

  • Breakfast: $0.69 per child
  • Lunch & Dinner: $1.90 per child
  • Snacks: $0.26 per child