Policy
Quarterly Policy Update: October 2026
Over the past few months, USDA has released new policies, HHS as proposed changes to Head Start, and Congress has introduced new legislation. Keep reading to see what you’ve missed and stay up to date with CACFP policy!
Read MoreNCA Response – Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs
The National CACFP Association (NCA) recently submitted comments on the Administration for Children and Families’ proposed rule, Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs (ACF-2026-0595). While NCA supports the proposed rule’s continued emphasis on nutrition, healthy eating, physical activity, and family engagement, NCA raised significant concerns about provisions that could unintentionally undermine nutrition services for children enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
Read MoreFY27 Area Eligibility Map
USDA announced that the CACFP and SFSP Area Eligibility Mapper has been updated for fiscal year 2027. Area eligibility is used to determine the tier of family child care homes in the CACFP, as well as the eligibility of CACFP At-Risk Afterschool sites and SFSP summer site.
Read MoreFY26 Advocacy Year in Review
Over the past year, NCA has worked alongside advocates across the country to elevate the voices of CACFP operators, influence federal policy, engage in regulatory processes, and raise awareness of the program’s impact. From Capitol Hill to federal agencies, these efforts have helped ensure decision-makers understand both the opportunities and challenges facing the CACFP community.
Read MoreSimplified Geographic Preference Procurement
For CACFP operators looking to purchase locally grown, raised, or caught foods, this guidance outlines the minor changes made by the final rule and provides an overview of geographic preference options.
Read MoreStrengthening Protections for Children with Food Allergies Act Introduced
Back to Blog Back to Blog Strengthening Protections for Children with Food Allergies Act Introduced September 17, 2026 The Strengthening Protections for Children with Food Allergies Act (H.R. 10228) has been introduced in Congress by Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) and Doris Matsui (D-CA). The legislation would strengthen food allergy training requirements across federal child nutrition…
Read MoreFinal Rule: Simplified Geographic Preference Procurement
USDA has released a final rule on Simplified Geographic Preference Procurement in Child Nutrition Programs. The rule does not create new requirements or change existing policy, Instead, the rule makes some terminology changes and provides clarification on existing requirements.
Read MoreStretched Thin: The Administrative Burden of the CACFP in Family Child Care Homes
For family child care providers, the workday does not start when the first child arrives and end when the last child leaves. Behind every day of quality care are countless hours of preparation, cleaning, recordkeeping, and business management. Providers wear many hats simultaneously, acting as caregivers, teachers, cooks, janitors, accountants, compliance officers, and small business owners.
Read MoreNCA Response – National Disqualified List Information Collection
Back to Blog Back to Blog NCA Response – National Disqualified List Information Collection August 5, 2026 In June 2026, USDA released a notice of Agency Information Collection Activities: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) National Disqualified List. This notice is of a routine collection of information, where State agencies share information on organizations…
Read More2026-2027 CACFP Reimbursement Rates
USDA has released the Reimbursement Rates for 2026-2027. Rates are effective from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Read More