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Meal Pattern Minute: Serving Eggs to Infants
At what age can infants eat eggs?
Read MoreNational CACFP Association Reaffirms Commitment to Adult Day Care Providers
The National CACFP Association (NCA) is proud to reaffirm its commitment to supporting adult day care providers who serve older adults and adults with disabilities through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
Read MoreMeal Pattern Minute: Sweet Toppings
If sweet toppings are served on pancakes or waffles, is it then considered a grain-based dessert?
Read More2025-2026 Cash In Lieu Value
The USDA has released the cash-in-lieu value of USDA foods for 2025-2026. The value has increased by half a cent.
Read MoreMeal Pattern Minute: Meal Times
Are there any restrictions on when meals and snacks must be served in the CACFP?
Read MoreAdvocate for Sufficient CACFP Reimbursement
USDA published the CACFP reimbursement rates for fiscal year 2025-2026. Although the rates have increased, in most instances, reimbursement still remains too low for providers to sufficiently cover the cost of providing meals.
Read MoreMeal Pattern Minute: Cottage Cheese
Is cottage cheese creditable in the CACFP?
Read MoreAccess NCA Nutrition Education with Head Start Supplemental Funds
Exciting news! Head Start programs have an opportunity to access one-time supplemental funds to support nutrition services and healthy eating for enrolled children and families. You can use this funding for staff training on resources and educational opportunities to help your program improve outcomes for children and families and align with USDA requirements – like the CACFP!
Read MoreQuarterly Policy Update: July 2025
In the last few months, the new USDA administration has begun to make changes that include deregulation and rescission of guidance, as well as a reorganization of USDA structure. USDA has also released reimbursement rates and the second iteration of their Study of Nutrition and Activity in CACFP. During this time, the Office of the President has released it’s Make America Healthy Again Assessment and proposed budget for FY26, both of which could have effects on child nutrition programs.
Read MoreHead Start One-Time Supplemental Nutrition Funds
The Office of Head Start announced that Head Start grant recipients can request supplemental funds to promote nutrition services and healthy eating for enrolled children and families. This funding was created in response to hearing that lack of funding is a barrier to improving or expanding nutrition services in Head Start programs.
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