Policy
2025-2026 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 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 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.
Read MoreSecretary Rollins Announces USDA Reorganization
Last week, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the department’s reorganization plan. Over the next two years, USDA plans to consolidate the FNS Regional Offices from seven to five hubs.
Read More2025-2026 CACFP Reimbursement Rates
The USDA has released the Reimbursement Rates for 2025-2026. Rates are effective from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Read MoreCACFP: A Critical Support for Child Care
The CACFP has many benefits – it supports child care providers and ensures that children and adults in care receive nutritious meals. The CACFP is also critical in supporting child care businesses by decreasing costs that can be reallocated towards program improvement, staff wages, or lower tuition rates.
Read MoreUSDA and HHS Notice: CNPs and Head Start as Federal Public Benefit
USDA and HHS each released a notice stating that many programs under the jurisdiction of both departments are now interpreted as “Federal Public Benefits,” including all CNPs and Head Start. The notices aim to address whether citizenship or qualified immigration status must be verified in order for a child to participate in these federal programs.
Read MoreUSDA Rescinds Guidance on Interpretation of Discrimination Based on Sex
The USDA released a memorandum rescinding 2022 guidance regarding the interpretation of discrimination based on “sex.” The 2022 guidance redefined the definition of “sex” to include gender identity and sexual orientation. Therefore, the rescission of this guidance will revert USDA’s definition back to its previous interpretation and omit mention of gender identity and sexual orientation.
Read MoreOff-Site Monitoring in FY25
USDA has the authority to waive statutory or regulatory program requirements for Child Nutrition Programs. State Agencies can submit a 12(l) waiver application to USDA in order to allow for flexibilities, including off-site monitoring, in their state. In Fiscal Year 2025, at least nine States have applied and been approved for an off-site monitoring waiver.
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