Blog
CACFP Early Intervention for Obesity Prevention Among U.S. Children
The CACFP is one of the earliest points of intervention for obesity prevention for young children. The high-quality nutrition provided by the CACFP has been proven to improve diet-quality and reduce the risk of obesity.
Read MoreNational CACFP Association Announces CACFP Week, March 15–21
The National CACFP Association (NCA) is gearing up to celebrate National CACFP Week, an education and awareness campaign taking place March 15–21, 2026. Observed annually during the third week of March, CACFP Week shines a spotlight on the vital role the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) plays in combating hunger and supporting quality care across the country.
Read MoreMeal Pattern Minute: Homemade Cheese
Is homemade cheese creditable in the CACFP?
Read MorePromoting Stronger Program Integrity and Oversight in the CACFP
USDA sent a memorandum to CACFP State agency Directors outlining the importance of program integrity and recommending oversight strategies to prevent fraud, waste and abuse.
Read MoreDietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 – Eat Real Food
USDA released a memo outlining some of the key updates included in the 2020-2030 DGAs. While USDA emphasizes that CACFP and SFSP operators familiarize themselves with the recommendations, there are no immediate changes to program requirements. Operators must continue to follow current CACFP and SFSP meal pattern requirements
Read MoreMeal Pattern Minute: Reimbursable Meals and Snacks
What does it mean for a meal or snack to be reimbursable?
Read MoreQuarterly Policy Update: January 2026
In the last three months, multiple updates have been issued by USDA and Congress. In early January, we saw the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as well as the passing of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law. In addition, USDA has approved off-site monitoring waivers for State agencies, released the 2026 SFSP reimbursement rates and rural designation map, and hosted a webinar on serious deficiency in the CACFP. NCA has also developed new resources on CACFP program integrity to support our community. Keep reading to see what you’ve missed and stay up to date with CACFP policy!
Read MoreSFSP 2026 Reimbursement Rates
The USDA has released the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) reimbursement rates for 2026. The rates are effective from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. On average, the 2026 rates have increased by 3.7% from last year.
Read MoreStandard Registration Is Now Open for NCNC26
Standard registration is now open for the 2026 National Child Nutrition Conference (NCNC26), the largest annual gathering of professionals supporting the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program. The conference will be held April 13–17, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Read MoreProgram Integrity in the CACFP: Role of Sponsoring Organizations
Behind every CACFP meal is a system of oversight designed to maintain public trust and protect the people the program serves. Sponsoring organizations ensure compliance, accountability and continued access to nutritious meals while providing ongoing technical assistance. Here are resources that explain how program integrity is upheld in the CACFP.
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