2026 NCNC
Innovation in Motion: SUN Meals To-Go
SUN Meals To-Go is more than just mobile meals; it’s about bringing nourishment, care and connection to those who need it most. Interested in starting or expanding your Mobile Meals program? Explore creative strategies to market your program and partner with unconventional sites to expand meal service for those in need. Leave with easy ideas and resources to start or grow your program!
Read MoreNew Protein Guidelines: Impacts on CACFP Menus
The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans highlight the importance of providing adequate, high‑quality protein to support children’s growth. Review updated protein recommendations and how both animal- and plant-based sources contribute to nutrient‑dense CACFP menus. Discuss protein quality, nutrient density, and practical strategies to select and combine protein foods that meet CACFP requirements.
Read MoreLet’s GROW Outside: Learning Through Gardening and Collaboration
Ready to grow? The Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC) launched Let’s GROW Outside to connect young children and educators with the benefits of gardening, nutrition, and outdoor learning. Discover how this new program was created, delivered and celebrated, while also gathering practical ideas and resources to bring gardening into your early childhood environment.
Read MoreCreating Equity: Integrating Indigenous Foods
Wishing to enhance your nutritional awareness, promote cultural integration and foster community engagement by integrating Indigenous foods into the child nutrition experience? Learn how to develop strategic approaches to create six-week menus that include Indigenous foods, establish local partnerships, provide family service opportunities for learning about healthy foods and plan activities with Indigenous populations in mind.
Read MoreHead Start & CACFP: Compliance, Special Diets and Feeding Solutions
Designed for Head Start leaders, food service managers and early childhood specialists working within CACFP, this academy offers practical guidance, case studies and compliance strategies. Go beyond theory with real-world tools to strengthen food service operations, support diverse nutritional needs and maintain program integrity across Head Start settings.
Read MoreCultivating Change: The Collaborative Approach to Farm to ECE
North Carolina’s Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) Initiative uses a collaborative model to improve child health through local food, gardening, cooking, cultural awareness and community partnerships. It brings county teams together in a community of practice to receive training and peer-to-peer learning. Get an inside look at the structure, resources and hands-on strategies that support local impact.
Read MoreChefs for Kids & UNR Extension: Nutrition Education Through Community Partnerships
Chefs for Kids is on a mission to alleviate malnutrition and hunger in children through education and awareness. Through partnerships with nutrition educators, local chefs, and companies, this extension-led model delivers joyful, hands-on learning using the “Eating the Rainbow” approach, in- and out-of-school lessons, take-home produce, and kid-friendly recipes that build healthy habits and strong community connections.
Read MoreSunshine on a Plate: Shining a Light on SUN Meals To-Go
SUN Meals To-Go offers an innovative solution to feed kids during school breaks, especially in rural areas. Hear success stories from early adopters and get practical tips for responsible, impactful implementation in your community. Find out how to bring this effective program to the children who need it most and help close the nutrition gap when school is out.
Read MoreBoosting Produce Intake with the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Discover how fresh ideas and fresh produce are transforming student nutrition! Hear from education, nutrition, agriculture and policy experts as they share proven strategies for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption through the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). Learn how cross-sector collaboration is shaping healthier habits and a stronger generation.
Read MoreUnlock the Power of Data to Grow Your Afterschool Meals Program
Discover how data-driven strategies can revolutionize your afterschool program. Explore practical tools and techniques to harness the power of analytics, turning raw data into actionable insights that elevate key performance indicators (KPIs). Learn to build intuitive dashboards, track participation trends and identify opportunities for growth in your program.
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