The National CACFP Sponsors Association makes it a priority to help keep our providers up-to-date with the latest policy, guidelines and best practices. We're happy to offer many of our virtual events on demand, so you can follow a training program that works around your schedule. CEUs marked with a $ are paid resources and pricing can be found on the respective item's expanded information.
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CACFP University
Learn about meal pattern guidelines and practices.
Ring in the New Year with five game-changing resolutions designed to supercharge your program and boost your personal well-being! Discover practical tips to elevate your menus, stay more organized, and build stronger community connections. Plus, get some bonus self-care and stress management techniques to keep you thriving all 2025. Get ready to make this your best year yet!
Watch On DemandPolicy is a major determinant of health among American Indians and Alaska Natives. Explore the complex factors that have contributed to high rates of obesity and diabetes among Indigenous Peoples in the United States, including, but not limited to, the disruption of Indigenous knowledge systems, commodity food offerings, displacement, and federal funding shortfalls. Identify best practices for engaging with American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and Villages and learn how state and federal food commodity programs can advance food sovereignty efforts.
Watch On DemandShowcasing your program is one of the most impactful ways to advocate for the CACFP. Invite your elected official to join you at your site to interact with and serve meals/snacks to the children or adults in your care. Learn how to host your elected official at your site, from the initial invite to the follow up after a successful site visit.
Watch On DemandMay is Older Americans Month and we’re celebrating the invaluable contributions of the older adult members within our community. Join us to discover how to adapt CACFP recipes to align with the changing needs and tastes of older adults. Gain insights into modifying recipes to cater to their distinct taste profiles and nutritional needs, ensuring meals that are both satisfying and health-supportive for our revered community members.
Watch On DemandWhether you’re gearing up for field trips or planning outdoor meal adventures, sandwiches are a summertime’s best friend. Say hello to creative combinations of textures, colors and flavors all nestled between two slices of bread. We’ll explore how to make this mealtime classic into another #CACFPCreditable addition to your menu, just in time for summer!
Watch On DemandVirtual Summit
The CACFP Virtual Summit has been held every August since 2020. You can now earn Continuing Education Units by watching sessions on demand!
We all know that if children have the opportunity to prepare and taste new foods, they are more likely to eat them. What does research tell us about how to introduce new foods and which healthy foods to focus on? Learn the top ten tips and tricks for getting kids to love their veggies.
Watch On DemandUnderstand the power of recognition, learn how to give great feedback and build a team that trusts. Get a list of guiding principles that create a culture of collaboration and accountability. Discover how looking at the big picture can help with the small stuff in your workplace.
Watch On DemandEquitable and inclusive access to healthy meals is critical in addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes. Meals and nutrition education offered through CACFP play a vital role in the health and well-being of children and families. Explore best practices and opportunities for providers to help advance health equity through a policy, systems, and environmental approach. ~
Watch On DemandHistoric racial inequities are perpetuating hunger and poverty. This is perhaps even more of a reality during COVID-19. CACFP, SFSP and other child nutrition programs help to combat class inequities, but children of color still bear the consequences of structural racism. Hear about what racial equity is and how this lens can be applied to specific recommendations in food access and nutrition.
Watch On DemandEmbark on a culinary adventure that combines the magic of books with the art of baking. Choose a book featuring veggies, fruits, milk, eggs, or grains and infuse it with whole grain-rich flours and a dash of leavening. The result? A medley of delicious treats that young children will adore. Show children how to experience the joy of creating some of their favorite dishes, and develop foundational skills in math (sequence, volume, time, temperatures), literacy (letter, sound and word associations, following directions), science, wellness, and cultural understanding. Explore best practices for baking with young children, insights on timing and tools for success, and get access to valuable resources.
Watch On DemandSaturday Summit
Watch sessions from past Child Nutrition Saturday Summits on demand.
Add some pizazz to meal or snack time with visually appealing, delicious, and exciting new recipes! Learn how to make power bowls with fresh ingredients and easy charcuterie boards for meals and snack times. Looking for a few meal ideas that don’t require a lot of preparation? Get inspired with muffin tin, slow cooker and sheet pan recipes, where you can include at least 2 CACFP meal components in one dish.
Watch On DemandCACFP home and commercial kitchens operate at their best with well-planned menus. Menus drive budgets, kitchen efficiency, purchasing/grocery shopping, receiving, customer satisfaction, and so much more. Join Chef Brenda to learn how to cr
Watch On DemandLearn fun, developmentally appropriate physical activities to play with infants and toddlers in CACFP child care homes and centers and Early Head Start classrooms. Consider the many benefits of physical activity and how these activities help meet recommended best practices. View demonstrations and videos of these activities so you can apply these ideas in your own trainings.
Watch On DemandLearn about the vital role of nutrition and brain development. Understand specific nutrients essential for brain development and approaches to ensure adequate intake. Examine how hunger impacts physical growth and academic performance as well as the importance of embedding evidenced-based nutrition education as a strategy to improve nutritional status.
Watch On DemandMenus are not “one size fits all”! In this session, we will review feeding skills and milestones, and present strategies for planning menus that meet children’s developmental needs from 0-5 years. Participants will learn tips and tricks that prevent picky eating habits and will review common choking hazards to avoid for young children.
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2025 National Child Nutrition Conference
Originally held April 14-18, 2025 - watch the virtual sessions from the 2025 National Child Nutrition Conference in Dallas.
Get an overview of the requirements needed to provide healthy
meals at afterschool sites and to receive financial reimbursement.
Understand the basics of the CACFP and how afterschool programs
can play a crucial role in providing food security for children.
Complementary foods, those other than breast milk or infant formula, are typically introduced around six months of age and ensure adequate nutrition as the baby grows.
Watch On DemandYou’re new-ish to the food program and concepts in the CACFP may not be as foreign
to you, but you’d love to really explore the important areas in the CACFP. Join us as
we review the meal patterns, identify basic program administration and get a refresher
on how reimbursement works in the CACFP.
Do you feel as if the food you serve is bland and lacks appeal? Is serving fresh fruits and vegetables hard to implement?
Watch On DemandWho doesn’t like a good theme? Themed parties, costumes and even menus!
Watch On DemandThe work of child nutrition professionals is important, nurturing and fulfilling even while it is equally demanding and challenging.
Watch On DemandHave you ever wondered why some children refuse to eat the foods on your menu, no matter their variation or relevancy?
Watch On DemandWhile hunger and nutrition insecurity pose similarities, they also have distinct differences. Additionally, a lack of access to healthy food affects early childhood development.
Watch On DemandThe word ‘audit’ often evokes anxiety and unease for providers. It’s not a reflection of your confidence in your work but rather the apprehension of having it scrutinized by someone else.
Watch On DemandDon’t know what SUN Meals even means? Are you brand new to child nutrition food programs?
Watch On DemandIt takes just one minute to shift a situation. Learn the
importance of pausing to center yourself, manage emotions
and lead with clarity.
2024 National Child Nutrition Conference
Originally held April 22-26, 2024 - watch the virtual sessions from the 2024 National Child Nutrition Conference in Orlando.
CACFP providers have the ultimate opportunity to introduce unique and healthy foods to children in their care. Learn how adults can create environments where children are receptive to trying new fruits and vegetables. Uncover a fresh perspective to make mealtimes even healthier for children. 1. Identify strategies to expand adults’ mindsets about children’s food preferences. 2. Discover engaging activities to experiment with new foods. 3. Explore resource documents for creative and compliant menu ideas.
Watch On DemandHave you heard about Artificial Intelligence, but are unsure where to begin or how it could be beneficial to your program? Discover the basics of large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT, and how you can use them in your current role within child nutrition settings
Watch On DemandNavigating the complexities of developing a CACFP menu can often be overwhelming and confusing. What crucial information should you include on the menu to be in compliance? Do you include ounce equivalency, serving size, or both? Moreover, are there specific documents you should maintain while planning your menu? Learn how to create menus stress-free while meeting CACFP requirements.
Watch On DemandReceiving nutritious meals early in life, as well as being physically active, is critical to the establishment of positive lifelong habits. Discover how teaching children about healthy eating from a young age can positively impact their cognitive, emotional, and physical development to help prevent childhood obesity.
Watch On DemandEfficient program monitoring and oversight are essential in the CACFP and for ensuring the success of your organization. Discover best practices and opportunities of how to conduct reviews that not only meet program requirements, but also support and lift up the child care provider. Expand your understanding of effective oversight and ensure program compliance with confidence. 1. Identify CACFP monitoring requirements. 2. Explore why oversight matters and how it impacts your program. 3. Provide constructive technical assistance at review.
Watch On DemandFarm to Early Care and Education (ECE) is not limited to traditional farming practices but includes everyday tasks that contribute to children’s learning and development. Explore how simple actions, like buying local produce and promoting healthy eating, align with learning standards for children aged 0-5. Discover how you may already be integrating Farm to ECE into your daily routine.
Watch On DemandAllergies, intolerances, and sensitivities. What is the difference between the three? Learn how to navigate proper documentation, communication, and compliance to foster a safe environment for children with special dietary needs and requests.
Watch On DemandAll federal Child Nutrition Programs, including CACFP, must follow federal “procurement” (or purchasing) requirements. Learn the purpose of these regulations and how to implement them as part of your CACFP food buying practices. The USDA Farm to School Team will also focus on how to properly buy local in compliance with federal requirements.
Watch On DemandIt’s easy for providers to put the needs of the children they care for ahead of their own well-being. However, it is essential for them to prioritize their own mental and physical health in order to provide the best care for those they serve. Learn how to incorporate self-care into your daily routine to improve overall selfwellness.
Watch On Demand2023 National Child Nutrition Conference
Originally held April 10-14, 2023 - watch the virtual sessions from the 2023 National Child Nutrition Conference in San Diego.
Ready to advocate for a reimbursement of a third meal but unsure of where to start? Explore the importance of advocating at the state and local levels in early childhood nutrition and how to secure legislation and funding.
Watch On DemandOur relationship with food develops at an early age. Labeling certain foods as “bad” or calling someone a “good eater” or “picky eater” can create unintended harmful effects that can follow kids through life. Learn how to help kids cultivate a good relationship with food from the start.
Watch On DemandReady to grow? Explore the many benefits of gardening with the children in your care. Learn about indoor and outdoor gardening activities to try in your classrooms. A love of gardening and dirt are not required.
Watch On DemandEstablishing healthy habits and routines during early childhood can set the stage for lifelong wellbeing. The 5-2-1-0 framework encourages children to develop positive habits through nutrition and physical activity. Learn how 5-2-1-0 reinforces CACFP meal patterns and best practices to help kids thrive.
Watch On DemandLearn creative ways to maximize your labor and food resources to ensure great participation in your Summer Food Program. Get great ideas on how to package individual items, an entire meal or create a weekly meal box. Take home creative menu ideas requiring minimal labor and suggestions to resolve supply chain issues.
Watch On DemandAre you feeling burnt out or unmotivated? Learn skills to reframe your mindset to create your best self and get strategies to help you find success. Whatever your roles and responsibilities entail, these best practices will help you level up and prepare for the future.
Watch On DemandUnsure of how to plan menus for children with special dietary needs? Explore the key considerations to remember when planning and sourcing CACFP creditable substitutions for special diets such as food allergies, gluten-free, and preparing texture-modified diets.
Watch On Demand2022 National Child Nutrition Conference
Originally held April 19-21, 2022 - watch the virtual sessions from the 2022 National Child Nutrition Conference in New Orleans.
Learn tips and best practices on the preparation of an acceptable administrative budget. Topics will include the importance of strategic planning, using historical financial information to develop the budget, determining what expenses are allowable/ unallowable, identifying staffing requirements, how excess administrative funds affect the budget and updating the budget throughout the year.
Watch On DemandJoin the USDA for this interactive session on the new Crediting Handbook for CACFP. We will review the ins and outs of each of the five required meal components, discuss both creditable and non-creditable food items, and engage the audience in hands-on crediting exercises. You won’t want to miss it!
Watch On DemandLearn the differences between various types of mechanical diets and how to prepare these foods to meet CACFP guidelines.
Watch On DemandCome learn ideas and tools providers can use to implement positive mealtimes. Topics include Smarter Mealtimes, examining picky eater’s behaviors while identifying tips for creating adventurous eaters and engaging child participation in the kitchen. Leave with strategies, recipes and activities that engage children of any age!
Watch On DemandReady to reignite your passion? Become motivated around the fact that you matter, and what you do is important. Learn who you are at your best, and what helps you to operate at optimal potency. Leave understanding what your best ability is, and why it is important to stay encouraged even in the tough times.
Watch On Demand2021 Virtual National Child Nutrition Conference
Originally held April 19-22, 2021 - watch the 2021 Virtual National Child Nutrition Conference on demand.
Get ready to use ounce equivalents to determine the amount of grains to serve to infants in the CACFP! Learn about the requirement going into effect on October 1, 2021 and tools that make implementation easier. Participants will leave this session knowing how much cereal, crackers, and bread are needed to meet meal pattern requirements for infants.
Watch On DemandShould nutrition be a CQI plan within your Head Start program? Yes! Learn what a CQI plan is and why having a CQI plan goal of decreasing your students BMI is important for your program. Get steps on how to create the right nutrition assessment and how Farm to Early Care implementation can play a vital role in decreasing your students’ BMI.
Watch On DemandLearn about proven strategies that have resulted in significant cost savings for CACFP and SFSP Sponsors including electronic meal counting, leftover policies, frozen meals, shelf-stable back-up meals, different meal packaging, and partnering with food banks for donated foods. These valuable tools and tips can produce savings that translate into better quality food and financial security for programming.
Watch On DemandLearn about the impact of COVID on CACFP providers, sponsors, and state agencies as told through the results of a nationwide survey. Hear about the challenges and training needs for operators, get insights from state directors about challenges of administering CACFP during COVID, and learn about strategies that states and the federal government can take to better support families with young children to avoid food insecurity, including CACFP-specific infrastructure and support.
Watch On DemandFarm to early care and education can help foster children’s learning and exposure to new foods and is a fun way to make education and exploration come alive. Discover how simple nutrition education activities get children excited about new foods, hear about best practices and stories of how it can empower children, families, and providers, and learn how to create a year-long program that teaches children about nutrition, gardening, cooking and nature.
Watch On DemandPower of the Food Program
Learn how the CACFP contributes to nutrition security and why you should participate. Get practical training on serving healthy meals. Discover ideas and resources you can use in your program immediately.
April Virtual Events April 1, 2025 We’re only two weeks away from the National Child Nutrition Conference in Dallas, TX. No April Fool’s pranks here! Before we see you in Dallas though, be sure to catch our next webinar on “Supporting Autism in Early Childhood Settings”. After this we start diving into all things conference.…
Watch On DemandCenters, family child care homes, and afterschool care play a critical role in serving nutritious foods to those they serve. The CACFP guides you on how to provide healthy meals using five food components which make up the meal service requirements: grains, fruits, vegetables, meats/meat alternates and milk. Learn when these are required and how they fit into the CACFP meal pattern.
Watch On DemandAre you convinced and ready to join the CACFP, but not sure where to get started? Learn how to successfully launch the program at your center, home or afterschool site. Find out how to work with a sponsor who will provide you training, technical assistance, monitoring, and administrative support or how to work with a state agency directly. Start getting financial reimbursement for meals you are already serving.
Watch On DemandServing those in our care safely is our top priority! Learn about the nine major food allergens and how to recognize what food products contain these. Get a better understanding of how to read the food label to identify and avoid food allergens.
Watch On DemandReimbursement rates for CACFP participants are dependent upon a variety of factors, such as whether you operate a family home child care, center, or afterschool program. Learn how to determine what the amount of reimbursement would be based on your enrollment, meal service, and rates of reimbursement. Discover how to qualify and how to receive financial reimbursement once you join the CACFP.
Watch On Demand