Annual CACFP Training FY27

Get a comprehensive review of the essential components of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Explore key topics including meal patterns for all meal types, meal counts, claims submission, review procedures, recordkeeping requirements, monitoring protocols and the reimbursement system. The training also covers Civil Rights compliance, recent updates in CACFP guidance, including learning how to identify food allergens in commercially prepared food products. ~ CEU Specialty 2

1. Learn how to maintain compliance in the CACFP.
2. Explore useful tools and resources to help you operate the CACFP.
3. Analyze food labels to accurately identify major food allergens in commercially prepared products.

Presented by: Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, National CACFP Association

From Garden to Kitchen: Connecting Food, Children, and Families

Follow food from seed to table with MSU Extension Head Start. Children plant and harvest school gardens, prepare and taste what they grow in the classroom, and extend learning at home through Yum Boxes, cooking demonstrations and Family Learning Parties. Designed for Head Start, these approaches can be adapted across child care settings, with a hands-on design lab to create a measurable garden-to-family nutrition plan. ~ CEU Specialty 1

1. Connect garden-based learning, nutrition education and family engagement.
2. Engage children and families in gardening, cooking and food exploration.
3. Create an adaptable garden-to-family nutrition plan with measurable outcomes.

Presented by:

Gina Carr, MS, Mississippi State University Extension Head Start/Early Head Start

Mandy Vargas, Mississippi State University Extension Head Start/Early Head Start

Work Smarter: Leveraging AI in Child Nutrition Programs

Artificial intelligence can help child nutrition professionals save time, analyze food spending, review product labels, evaluate menus, draft communications, and identify potential compliance concerns. Review examples, effective prompts, and safeguards for using AI responsibly while keeping human review, confidentiality, and program requirements at the center. ~ CEU Specialty 3

1. Identify practical AI uses in food service operations.
2. Write prompts that produce useful, accurate results.
3. Apply privacy, accuracy, and human-review safeguards.

Presented by: Rhonda Kobylecky, CMP, CCNP, Acelero Learning, Inc.