WELCOME TO
THE HYPE FOUNDATION
We're a Texas-based CACFP sponsor committed to making food program participation simpler, smarter, and more supportive for child care centers and homes. As your partner, we offer expert guidance, hands-on training, and reliable tools so you can serve nutritious meals, stay in compliance, and maximize your reimbursement—stress-free.
Join a better food program. Join The Hype.
ABOUT US
The HYPE Foundation
Food Program
The Hype Foundation Food Program is an approved sponsor of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)—a federal program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). As a non-profit organization, we hold a contract with the State of Texas to support child care centers and day homes in providing nutritious meals to the children in their care.
We’re more than a sponsor—we’re a partner in your success. We provide guidance, support, and tools to help you serve healthy meals, maintain compliance, and receive timely reimbursements with confidence.
Our Mission and Core Values
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Program Commitment
To develop a positive eating foundation for children and their families. -
Quality
To provide an outstanding product and program that will be of value in changing one’s lifestyle. -
Integrity
Upholding high standards in everything we do, from our service to our communication.
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Teamwork
Our team is committed to building strong, supportive relationships where we work together to meet the needs of our clients and their communities.. -
Our Food Program Philosophy
We believe that proper nutrition during early development is critical to a child’s lifelong health. That’s why
The Hype Foundation focuses on training providers to implement healthy diets that support growing children, help prevent obesity, and reduce the risk of weight-related diseases like diabetes.
Through education on current nutritional trends, CACFP meal patterns, and meal planning strategies, we empower our providers to help children make healthy choices that last a lifetime.
OUR PROGRAMS
Supporting Child Care Centers & At-Risk Afterschool Sites Across Texas
As an official sponsor of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), The Hype Foundation partners with licensed child care centers and at-risk programs to help you serve nutritious meals and snacks, stay in compliance, and receive timely reimbursements with ease. Our services are designed to make your food program experience simple, stress-free, and fully supported.
Why Participate in the CACFP?
By joining The Hype Foundation Food Program, you’ll:
- Help children build lifelong healthy habits
- Reduce your food costs through USDA reimbursements
- Stay compliant with state and federal meal standards
- Gain access to expert-led trainings and time-saving tools
- Receive ongoing support from a responsive and knowledgeable team
We Make It Simple
From onboarding to monthly claims, we’ll walk you through the process and keep you informed every step of the way. We know running a center is hard work—our job is to make your job easier.
CHILD CARE OR ADULT DAY CARE CENTERS
We support licensed child care centers in providing healthy meals to children in care while staying in full compliance with USDA and TDA guidelines.
To participate, your center must serve at least 25% of children receiving subsidized child care. Eligibility and documentation are reviewed during onboarding.
Here’s what we offer:
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Online Claiming via My Simple Menu
Our digital platform makes it quick and easy to record meals, submit claims, and track reimbursements—all from your computer or mobile device.
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Dedicated Support Staff with Hands-On Assistance
From onboarding to audits, our team is with you every step of the way. We’re just a call or message away for help with meal patterns, form submissions, or compliance questions.
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Direct Deposit Reimbursements
Your approved claims are reimbursed directly to your account—faster, safer, and more efficient.
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Annual Required Training + Monthly Workshops
Stay informed and confident with our engaging and informative training sessions. All providers must attend at least one annual training, and our monthly workshops are available to keep you sharp year-round.
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Nutrition Newsletters & Handbooks
Get monthly newsletters with updates, reminders, and menu ideas. Our provider handbook includes everything you need to understand CACFP requirements and stay on track.
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Free Self-Study Training Materials
Take advantage of credit-eligible* self-paced materials on topics like nutrition, menu planning, food safety, and more—perfect for new and returning staff.
*(Check with your Child Care Licensing representative to confirm training hour eligibility.)
AT-RISK PROGRAMS
Our At-Risk Afterschool Meal Program supports nonprofit and school-based programs serving school-aged children in low-income areas.
Here’s what we offer:
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Claim Submission Through My Simple Menu
Use our online platform to log meals and submit claims efficiently. Our digital system saves time, prevents errors, and keeps you audit-ready.
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Personalized Support from Our Compliance Team
We review your records, provide feedback, and help you stay aligned with TDA expectations—so you can focus on your program and your kids.
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Reimbursement for Snacks or Suppers Served After School
Eligible programs receive USDA reimbursements for meals that meet CACFP guidelines—helping offset food costs while feeding children in need.
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Annual Required Training + Monthly Workshops
Stay informed and confident with our engaging and informative training sessions. All providers must attend at least one annual training, and our monthly workshops are available to keep you sharp year-round.
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Training & Resources on Meal Pattern Requirements
Learn what foods qualify, how to plan menus that meet nutrition standards, and how to avoid common errors. We’ll guide you through the specifics for At-Risk sites.
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Guidance on Required Meal Times, Enrichment Activities & Attendance
CACFP At-Risk programs must offer educational or enrichment activities and serve meals within allowable time frames. We help you design a compliant daily flow and maintain proper attendance records.
MEET OUR TEAM
At The Hype Foundation, our team is the heart of what we do. We are a dedicated group of nutrition advocates, compliance specialists, and support professionals committed to helping your center succeed. With a deep understanding of CACFP guidelines and real-world experience in child care, we provide personalized service, expert guidance, and hands-on help every step of the way.
When you partner with us, you're not just joining a food program
you’re joining a family that’s passionate about feeding futures and building healthy foundations.
Founder
Dr. Alice Kirkmon
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info@thehypefoundation.net
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713-530-5938
Training Manager/Center Sign Up Specialist
Alice Holmes
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alice@thehypefoundation.net
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346-465-9185
Director Of Compliance and Audits
Rosalind Mitchell
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rosalind@thehypefoundation.net
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346-526-8161
Monitoring Coordinator - DALLAS
Tanya Simmons
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tanya@thehypefoundation.net
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346-205-2811
Financial Coordinator
Jamal Bankston
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jamal@thehypefoundation.net
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281-345-8400
CEO/ Executive Director
Darnell Simmons
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info@thehypefoundation.net
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281-788-4718
At-Risk Site Director
Tamika Celestine
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tamika@thehypefoundation.net
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346-465-8382
At-Risk Attendance Coordinator/Mointor
Sherell Simmons
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sherell@thehypefoundation.net
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346-213-2425
Monitoring Coordinator - HOUSTON
Javonna Alridge
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javonna@thehypefoundation.net
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281-345-8400
Office Manager
Jamecia Bankston
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jamecia@thehypefoundation.net
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346-724-8913
JOIN THE HYPE FOOD PROGRAM
Join The HYPE Foundation
Food Program
We are now accepting new child care centers and home-based providers!
Our enrollment process is smooth, supportive, and designed with your needs in mind.
Why Join?
✔ More support, less stress
✔ Transparent, timely reimbursements
✔ Simple forms, strong systems
✔ A team that genuinely cares
Enrollment is open year-round – Complete the form below to begin your onboarding and let us help you serve with confidence.
MY SIMPLE MENU
Submit Your Claims With Ease
My Simple Menu Login Page
My Simple Menu is the user-friendly online platform all Hype Foundation participants use to submit CACFP meal claims. With built-in tools to guide you through compliant meal entry, the system helps reduce errors, streamline submissions, and speed up your reimbursements. Whether you're using a desktop or mobile device, My Simple Menu gives you secure, real-time access to your records and submissions.
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This login area is for current clients only. Once enrolled with The Hype Foundation, you will receive access and training on how to use My Simple Menu to enter and manage all your claim information. It's our trusted system to keep your food program running smoothly and efficiently.
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RESOURCES
FREE CIVIL RIGHTS TRAINING
TEXAS
AGRICULTURE
NATIONAL CACFP
ASSOCIATION
Federal Links:
CACFP provides aid to child and adult care institutions and family or group day care homes for the provision of nutritious foods that contribute to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children, and the health and wellness of older adults and chronically impaired disabled persons. In order to find out if you can be a part of the CACFP, or need more information go to: www.fns.usda.gov
U.S. Department of Agriculture - www.usda.gov
USDA Child Care Food & Nutrition Services - www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/child-and-adult-care-food-program
USDA Food Buying Guide - www.fns.usda.gov/tn/food-buying-guide-for-child-nutrition-programs
USDA CN Labels - https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/cn/cnl_manufacturers.pdf
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027) found online at www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA with all the information requested in the form.
Submit your completed form or letter by mail to:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
Fax: (202) 690-7442
Email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
P.O. Box 840502
Houston, Texas 77284
Monday- Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
info@
thehypefoundation.net
Office Number:
281-345-8400
© The HYPE Foundation INC. All Rights Reserved.