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Karamu Nutrition Program Karamu Nutrition Program
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Business Details
34 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care Nutrition Services in Tennessee
Founded in 1992 by Dr. Vera Corley-Sims, a retired childcare provider and nationally recognized advocate, Karamu Nutrition Program has established itself as a provider-friendly nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting childcare professionals across Tennessee and Kentucky. Our mission focuses on delivering low-cost, high-quality services that address the nutritional needs of childcare providers, children, and families. With over three decades of experience, we serve as one of the largest non-profit food program sponsors in the country, maintaining a strong reputation for respectful treatment of providers and commitment to program integrity. Our comprehensive offerings include the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which provides reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks, alongside practical benefits like simplified forms, economical pre-planned menus, and direct deposit reimbursements.

We maintain physical presence in multiple Tennessee locations while serving practically every county and DHS district in the state. Our team combines deep industry expertise with a focus on practical implementation, offering detailed reimbursement statements, convenient training resources, and compliance guidance for evolving USDA meal pattern requirements. Through our child care conferences, referral services, and outreach initiatives, we demonstrate ongoing commitment to community impact beyond core nutrition programs. Our operations adhere to strict financial management standards and program integrity principles, ensuring reliable support for providers navigating complex regulatory requirements.
Services
After School Program Child Care Center Program Family Childcare Program Adult Care Program Nutrition Training Resources Meal Reimbursement Processing Compliance Guidance Menu Planning Assistance Child Care Conferences Resource Library Access
Details
  • Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
  • We have over 30 years of experience in childcare nutrition programs
  • Our team provides courteous and convenient training & support
  • We offer detailed reimbursement statements with direct deposit options
  • We serve practically every county in Tennessee
  • Our founder is a nationally known childcare advocate and former provider
Update Listing
Services
Child Care Center Program
Supporting licensed childcare centers with USDA meal reimbursement. Provides funding for nutritious meals and snacks to children in both public and private nonprofit settings. Requires adherence to CACFP guidelines for meal patterns and documentation.
Family Childcare Program
Reimbursement program for family childcare providers serving meals in private homes. Supports licensed providers with funding for nutritious meals while maintaining compliance with USDA nutritional standards and documentation requirements.
After School Program
Provides free meals and snacks to after-school programs serving children 18 and under. Focuses on structured enrichment activities while ensuring proper nutrition through USDA CACFP guidelines and reimbursement.
Adult Care Program
Supports adult daycare centers providing meals to seniors and individuals with impairments. Offers reimbursement for nutritious meals meeting USDA requirements while addressing the specific needs of adult care facilities.
Nutrition Training Resources
Comprehensive training materials including USDA guidelines, meal pattern requirements, and recordkeeping procedures. Features instructional videos, policy documents, and practical resources to ensure program compliance and proper implementation.
People
Dr. Vera Corley-Sims
Founder and Executive Director
Retired childcare provider with national recognition for advocacy work. Established Karamu Nutrition Program in 1992 to address childcare nutrition needs. Combines practical experience with policy expertise to lead the organization's mission-driven initiatives.
Questions
What childcare programs qualify for CACFP reimbursement?
Eligible programs include licensed childcare centers, family daycare homes, after-school programs, and adult daycare centers serving meals to children or adults meeting USDA eligibility requirements.
How do I get started with Karamu's nutrition programs?
Contact our Memphis office to complete enrollment paperwork. We provide training resources, menu planning tools, and guidance to help providers successfully implement USDA meal requirements and reimbursement processes.
What nutrition standards must providers follow?
Providers must follow USDA's updated meal pattern requirements including whole grain requirements, milk types, and limits on added sugars. We provide detailed guidance and resources to ensure compliance.
How are meal reimbursements processed?
Providers submit documentation through our streamlined system. Reimbursements are processed based on approved meal counts with direct deposit options available for participating providers across Tennessee.
Do you serve providers outside Memphis?
We serve practically every county and DHS district in Tennessee with office locations in Memphis, Clarksville, and Nashville to better support providers statewide.