Sponsor Spotlight: Maria Rincon of EOAC Head Start
Sponsor of Head Start
September 25, 2025
Maria Rincon is the Nutrition Manager for the Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation (EOAC). EOAC is a community action organization that provides a wide range of community services for low-income families, such as weatherization and utility assistance, in addition to operating seven Head Start centers. Their Head Start centers serve almost 500 infants, toddlers, and pre-k students in McLennan County and Falls County in central Texas.
With a passion for getting nutritious food to children, Maria joined EOAC 10 years ago. She began her work with EOAC as a secretary and has since worked as a classroom teacher, Child and Family Advocate, and has transitioned to the role of Nutrition Manager. She is responsible for planning menus for the Head Start classrooms and ensuring they serve CACFP reimbursable meals and remain in compliance. Four of EOAC’s sites have kitchens that prepare the CACFP meals and transport meals to the remaining three centers. However, they are hoping that one-time supplemental Head Start funding will allow them to build a kitchen at one of their sites and expand one of their existing kitchens.
Maria believes that the CACFP plays a critical role in supporting the health, development and school-readiness of the children that they serve.
“By providing the kids with nutritious and balanced meals and snacks, the CACFP ensures that children receive nutritious meals during the day. Many of the Head Start families face a lot of food insecurity, so CACFP helps close the gap to be consistent in having healthy meals for the kids that are enrolled at no cost. This directly supports children in being more focused, having fewer challenging behaviors in the classrooms, and having a pleasant learning environment while they are attending Head Start.”
Nutrition education is an important component of EOAC’s CACFP function, both in and outside of the classroom. In the classroom, children love to experiment and try new foods. Even those who are hesitant are encouraged to try new foods by watching their teachers model for them. Through family-style dining, children also work to build their fine motor skills and learn how to serve themselves. The children also learn about healthy eating and try new fruits and vegetables through activities run by local organizations. Outside of the classroom, Maria provides tools for families to make nutritious meals at home, including recipes with instructions. Twice a month, Maria also sends out nutrition information fact sheets on topics such as water consumption, picky eating and food allergies. By doing so, EOAC is ensuring that children receive proper nutrition in their care and at home.
Maria remains personally motivated to work in the CACFP because of the direct impact it has on the children and their families.
“My personal motivation to continue working in the CACFP comes from knowing my work directly impacts the health and well-being of the children. Helping the families also understand the reason for giving their children a nutritious meal and helping them with the resources to be able to also cook and prepare those nutritious meals while the kids are at home.”
This motivation is part of the reason why EOAC Head Start is a successful sponsor of the CACFP. The organization’s commitment to providing high-quality services to the children in their program is a major factor in their success. In addition, their knowledge of CACFP regulations and compliance with requirements keep their program running smoothly. Maria believes that staying organized, proactive and focused on all of the regulations – CACFP, Head Start, and licensing, to name a few – is crucial.
Maria and her team at EOAC Head Start continue to look for new ways to engage children and families and make their program even better. Their dedication ensures that the children in their care receive healthy meals and families have the tools they need to do the same at home.
In Texas, Maria has worked for the Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation for 15 years.