Policy
Crediting Tofu and Soy Yogurt Products
USDA released guidance that extends the option of serving commercially prepared tofu and soy yogurt as meat alternates to infants 6-11 months participating in the CACFP. The memo also extends the ability to serve tofu and soy yogurt as meat alternates in SFSP.
Read MoreProcuring Local Meat, Poultry, Seafood, Game, and Eggs
This memo clarifies the regulatory requirements related to food safety and answers specific questions related to local meat, poultry, seafood, game, and eggs.
Read MoreSenate Partner Bill: Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act
The Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act was introduced in the Senate by Senator Casey to permanently:
• Increase reimbursement rates by 10 cent for each meal and snack
• Eliminate the tiering of family day care homes
• Allow family day care home providers to claim their own children’s meals for reimbursement
• Shift the calculation of family child care homes’ reimbursement from “food at home” to “food away from home” to align with centers
Off-Site Monitoring Waiver: Oregon Case Study
USDA has the authority to waive on-site monitoring requirements for the CACFP. State Agencies can submit a 12(l) waiver application to USDA in order to allow for off-site monitoring flexibilities in their state. Oregon was the first state to submit an application and the first state to be approved! Read about their approved waiver.
Read MoreThe CACFP Strengthens the Child Care Infrastructure
The CACFP serves millions of children and adults in care and supports thousands of child and adult care providers nationwide. The support from the CACFP helps struggling providers to keep costs low and increase the competitiveness of their small businesses.
Read MoreCrediting Traditional Indigenous Foods in Child Nutrition Programs
This memorandum provides guidance to Indigenous communities on incorporating traditional Indigenous foods that meet CNP meal pattern requirements and includes an updated and expanded list of traditional Indigenous foods that credit the same as similar foods currently listed in the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs (FBG).
Read MoreEarly Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act of 2023Â
On October 26, 2023 the Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act was re-introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Congressman Marc Molinaro (R-NY). This legislation would allow providers who are open for more than 8 hours to be reimbursed for an additional meal.
Read MoreModernizing the CACFP to Expand Access with Off-Site Monitoring
To ensure the integrity of the CACFP, participating programs must be monitored. Historically, monitoring visits have been conducted on-site, with monitors traveling to each child care program to observe meal service and review records. This process results in increased time and costs for monitoring organizations. Learn how off-site monitoring could benefit and modernize the CACFP.
Read MoreNCA 2023 Advocacy Update
Our team here at the National CACFP Sponsors Association is continuously looking for ways to support and advocate for you! This year, we’ve really ramped up our policy and advocacy work in an effort to expand and improve the CACFP.
Read MoreEquitable Reimbursement Crucial for CACFP
Current CACFP Reimbursement rates are not enough to cover food costs. The inequitable tiering of family homes causes reimbursement for some to be even less. As a result, a financial burden is placed on small businesses and working families. An increase in reimbursement would help to keep care affordable and protect children against hunger.
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