Texas CACFP performance bonds.
From $100.

The Texas Department of Agriculture requires some sponsoring organizations in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to post a performance bond under 4 TAC § 25.17. The amount is set by the Department; premiums start from $100 with one soft credit pull that never affects your score.

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Required of newer non-government CACFP sponsoring organizations under 4 TAC § 25.17

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Guarantees a sponsor handles program funds only for the benefit of the program

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Soft credit pull only — never affects your score, and pricing is variable by bond amount, from $100

From $1001% of the bond amount, $100 minimumSoft pullnever affects your scoreInstantissued the moment you pay

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How it works

Three steps. One sitting.

Enter your amount, consent to one soft pull, and file with the Department of Agriculture. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your organization details, program name, payee ID, the bond amount the Department set, and the effective date — plus a one-time consent to a soft credit pull.

RIGHT AWAY

Approved

Most are approved as soon as you apply. The credit check is a soft pull that never affects your score. If it needs a second look, one to two business days at most.

SAME DAY

File with the Department of Agriculture

Submit the executed performance bond with your CACFP sponsor agreement. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the Department insists.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the CACFP bond actually covers

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded program administered in Texas by the Department of Agriculture. Under 4 TAC § 25.17, a sponsoring organization applying to participate with less than three years of successful administrative and financial history must obtain and maintain a performance bond.

The bond must be written by a surety on the U.S. Treasury Circular 570 list (certified for federally funded programs). It guarantees the sponsor handles public program funds only for the benefit of the program and can produce its financial records on request — protecting the program against misused or unaccounted-for funds.

The amount is set by the Department based on the sponsor's anticipated enrollment and reimbursement for the meals served. We carry Circular 570 carriers and issue the amount the Department set; pricing is variable by bond amount, from $100, with one soft credit pull that never affects your score.

4 Tex. Admin. Code § 25.17 (CACFP performance bond)Under 4 Texas Administrative Code § 25.17, the Texas Department of Agriculture requires a non-government sponsoring organization applying to participate in CACFP with less than three years of successful administrative and financial history to obtain and maintain a performance bond from a surety on U.S. Treasury Circular 570. The amount is based on anticipated enrollment and reimbursement. Confirm your required amount with the Department.

You need this bond if you are

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A new CACFP sponsoring organization with less than three years of program history

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A non-government sponsor of day-care homes or centers in the food program

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Re-entering CACFP where the Department requires a performance bond

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Expanding enrollment and the Department resets your required bond amount

One application, then a quick review.

Submit the application with the bond amount the Department set and a one-time soft credit consent — most issue when you pay.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Texas CACFP performance bond?The premium is 1% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum. The amount itself is set by the Department of Agriculture, based on your anticipated enrollment and reimbursement. Enter the figure the Department gave you at the application to see your exact price.

Who has to post this bond?A non-government CACFP sponsoring organization with less than three years of successful administrative and financial history, under 4 TAC § 25.17. Established sponsors generally do not need it.

Is there a credit check?Yes — one soft credit pull, which never affects your score. It informs approval only. Because this is a federal-program bond, we place it with a U.S. Treasury Circular 570 surety.

Does the surety have to be Treasury-listed?Yes — 4 TAC § 25.17 requires the bond to come from a surety designated on U.S. Treasury Circular 570 as certified for federally funded programs. We use Circular 570 carriers, so the bond will be accepted.

Where do I file it?With the Texas Department of Agriculture, as part of your CACFP sponsor agreement. We issue the executed bond ready to submit.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

Related bonds

Other Texas bonds.

CACFP bond, issued today.

Premiums from $100, one soft pull. Enter the amount the Department set and file the same day.

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Your premiumfrom $100

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