2026 Research & Resources

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) influence how children relate to food and mealtime. Review trauma-informed strategies to create safe, supportive eating environments. Using Southeast Michigan’s diverse cultural context, learn how to adapt practices for children with varying experiences, diets and food access challenges.

Creating lasting change in child nutrition programs (CNPs) means addressing influences at every level, from individual behaviors to policies that shape communities. The Social-Ecological Model (SEM) supports programs by targeting child, family, organizational, community and policy factors. Learn practical strategies and tools to create healthy environments where children can thrive.

For many children, academic difficulties begin before they start school.  Cooking with parents is one educational activity that can help to increase children’s abilities in math, science, reading, language, motor development and social skills in a meaningful and appealing way. Discover how the Little Books & Little Cooks program combines literacy and hands-on cooking to engage parents and preschoolers.

The CACFP supports healthy child growth by reimbursing providers for nutritious meals and snacks. In 2024, over 57 million meals were served in North Carolina, yet 49% of licensed providers remain unenrolled. Learn how the NC Farm to Early Care and Education Connections Map is being used to explore CACFP awareness, benefits, barriers and next steps to expand participation and improve child nutrition.

With 5.6 million U.S. children affected by food allergies, effective management in schools is essential. The Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) assembled experts to create the Food Allergy Management in Schools (FAMS) recommendations. Learn what’s new in FAMS and how to apply these best practices in your school nutrition program.

Are your participants living in a food desert, a food swamp or facing a food mirage? Examine how socioeconomic and geographic factors shape the food insecurity impacting children and explore ways to leverage CACFP to make a difference. Define key terms, analyze local data and brainstorm practical solutions to better support the communities you serve.

Empower students as culinary co-creators! Explore a replicable, USDA-aligned process for guiding youth from idea to standardized recipe, boosting participation and meeting diverse tastes. Leave with flavor-testing protocols, ready-to-use templates and leadership moves to build a thriving student culinary council.