Over $18,000 in Scholarships Awarded for CACFP Professional Development
January 30, 2026
What do Dimitriss Grant from New York, Jacki Giron from North Dakota, and Julia Gog from Iowa have in common? They will be attending the National Child Nutrition Conference (NCNC26) this April free of charge as scholarship recipients, part of the National CACFP Association's (NCA) ongoing commitment to expanding access to high-quality continuing education and training.
As NCA celebrates 40 years of supporting child nutrition professionals, this year’s scholarship recipients will join thousands of their peers from across the country for several days of learning, connection and inspiration. NCA has awarded scholarships for both onsite attendance in Las Vegas and virtual participation, helping remove geographic and f inancial barriers. Attendees will participate in high-quality training sessions, connect with colleagues and industry partners and gain practical tools to strengthen Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operations in their communities.
Rooted in a commitment to community, advocacy and education, the National CACFP Association has hosted the National Child Nutrition Conference as a premier training and networking event for child nutrition professionals since 1986. The Association is proud to recognize the following CACFP participants and scholarship recipients for NCNC26:
Onsite Scholarship Recipients
Dimitriss Grant, Puerto Rican Family Institute Inc., New York
Jacki Giron, Turtle Mountain Food Pantry, North Dakota
Julia Gog, SAL Community Services, Iowa
Roshanda Gaddis, Berean Baptist Head Start, Alabama
Stephanie Paratore, The Learning Lamp, Pennsylvania
Scott Nutter, Vogel Alcove, Texas
Veronica Herrera, Proyecto Pastoral at Dolores Mission, California
Virtual Scholarship Recipients
Cathy Rodriguez, A to Z Preschool, Louisiana
Crystal Genter, Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission, Ohio
Leah Feagin, Mayfield Independent Schools, Kentucky
Lisa French, OC CARES, Vermont
Melissa Galloway Doctor, Johnson County Community College, Kansas
Sheerley Felipe, Happy House Childcare, Virginia
Saray Flores, Amazing Minds 2, Oregon
Tara Atkin, Kootenai School District #274, Idaho
By supporting access to meaningful professional development, the National CACFP Association continues to invest in the dedicated professionals who provide nutritious meals and supportive environments for children and adults nationwide.