40 Years of Advocacy for the CACFP Community

One of our most visible advocacy efforts is National CACFP Week, an annual campaign designed to raise awareness of the program and the providers who make it possible. Each year, advocates across the country work with elected officials to secure proclamations and congressional recognition, highlighting how CACFP supports communities and improves nutrition for children and adults in care. 

These efforts help ensure CACFP remains part of the national conversation about child nutrition and early care. 

Advancing Policies That Strengthen CACFP 

Policy advocacy is another key part of NCA’s work. Over the years, we have supported federal legislation that improves program access, strengthens reimbursement and reduces barriers for providers. 

Our advocacy also includes engagement with federal agencies such as the USDA. Through regulatory rulemaking processes, we provide feedback and recommendations to help ensure CACFP policies work effectively for the providers, sponsors and State agencies who administer the program. 

We have also played an active role in conversations surrounding Child Nutrition Reauthorization. NCA has provided testimony during congressional hearings and continues to advocate for improvements that strengthen CACFP and support the communities it serves. 

Right now, two bills before Congress would do exactly that. The Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act aims to modernize CACFP policy and reduce administrative burden for providers. The Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act would strengthen participation and support the child care programs that rely on it.  

NCA has endorsed both and continues making the case to policymakers for what they mean for children, families and providers nationwide. 

Elevating the Voices of CACFP Providers 

 No one makes the case for CACFP better than the people who work in it. A provider describing what a nutritious breakfast means for the children in her care will reach a lawmaker in a way no policy brief can. 

Through tools like our advocacy campaigns, Action Center and educational resources, NCA empowers providers and sponsors to share their stories with policymakers. Providers can advocate by contacting their elected officials, hosting site visits, or sharing how CACFP supports the children and adults in their care. 

These real-world stories help policymakers understand how policy decisions affect communities and why strengthening CACFP matters. 

Working Together Across States 

Advocacy is also about collaboration. NCA regularly convenes partners across the country to share knowledge, identify challenges and develop solutions that strengthen the program. 

One example is our quarterly meetings with State agencies, where leaders come together to discuss emerging issues, share best practices and coordinate efforts that support CACFP implementation nationwide. These conversations help ensure that the program continues to evolve to meet the needs of providers and participants. 

Expanding Awareness and Opportunity 

Advocacy also means expanding people’s understanding of CACFP and connecting the program to broader nutrition efforts. 

Recent initiatives, such as Farm to CACFP, highlight the benefits of connecting child and adult care programs with local food systems while strengthening nutrition education and community partnerships. 

By elevating these initiatives, NCA continues to demonstrate how CACFP supports healthy communities far beyond the meal service itself. 

Looking Ahead to the Next 40 Years 

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we recognize that advocacy is not a one-time effort. It is an ongoing commitment to strengthening CACFP and supporting the providers, sponsors and state leaders who make the program work. 

The future of CACFP depends on strong partnerships, informed policymakers and engaged advocates across the country. Together, we will continue working to expand access, improve policies and ensure that every child and adult in care has access to nutritious meals. 

Because when we advocate for CACFP, we advocate for healthier communities.