2023 State Agency

The serious deficiency process is not a one-size-fits-all approach to making lasting program change. Learn about an intervention style technical assistance model adopted by one state agency to provide additional support to help programs address their administrative and operational capacity to operate under CACFP.

The CACFP is the most important source of federal funding for feeding children in child care settings. Despite its benefits, the program remains underutilized with large variation in participation rates. Uncover results from interviews with state agencies and analyses of administrative data. Learn about barriers to access to CACFP for licensed child care centers.

Unique partnerships with external entities were valuable during COVID-19. Review the strategies state CACFP directors adapted during the pandemic to ensure children continued to receive meals through the emergency response waivers issued by USDA.

Explore how food insecurity impacts young children and how two states partnered with early care and education programs to support families that are food insecure. Get resources and ideas for how you can support families in your program and state.

Knowing how to seize opportunities helps build and sustain successful statewide early care and education systems. Embedding health, nutrition and physical activity strategies into existing and emerging programs strengthens each agency. Discover how various agencies within a state can work together to provide clarity and support for providers.

Do you know the dos and don’ts of conducting an audit? Effective program compliance and auditing is essential to the success of CACFP and SFSP. Hear lessons learned and get recommendations states can make to sponsors to be better prepared for future audits.

In 2021, the CACFP in California transitioned from the Department of Education to the Department of Social Services. Discover why California felt it was important to have CACFP operate as a Social Services program and how the focus on equity will be an important factor in the work going forward.

Explore communities of practice as a strategy to integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion into state ECE systems to promote best practices for healthy eating and physical activity in young children. Learn strategies, get resources, and review examples in action to drive and advance equity to improve nutrition and health outcomes for young children.