Policy
Nebraska Advocates Push for the Elimination of Tiering
Nebraska advocates have shown what is possible when providers, state leaders, and advocates come together around a shared goal. In a major win for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), the Nebraska Legislature unanimously passed LR296, a resolution urging Congress to eliminate CACFP tiering and provide additional reimbursement for all family child care providers.
Read MoreIdentifying False Claims and Potential Fraud the CACFP
USDA released a memorandum providing guidance to help state agencies recognize warning signs of potential fraud and respond quickly when improper claiming practices are suspected. The guidance reinforces the importance of strong program oversight, accurate recordkeeping, and timely corrective action to protect CACFP funding and maintain public trust.
Read MoreNew Institutions’ Participation in the CACFP
USDA issued guidance encouraging State agencies to strengthen their review of organizations seeking to participate in the CACFP. The memorandum emphasizes thorough screening, documentation, and oversight during the application process to prevent fraud, waste, and program abuse while ensuring that only qualified organizations are approved to operate the Program.
Read MoreRecordkeeping Requirements in the CACFP
USDA released a memorandum emphasizing the critical role of recordkeeping in maintaining the integrity of the CACFP. The guidance reminds state agencies and CACFP operators that complete, accurate, and timely records are essential to support reimbursement claims, demonstrate viability, capability, and accountability (VCA), and protect program funds from misuse.
Read MoreQuarterly 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…
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