Partner Resources
Identifying Whole Grain-Rich Foods
Whole grains are an essential part of a healthy diet, which is why the CACFP meal pattern requires that at least one serving of grains per day be whole grain-rich (WGR). Our partners at ICN have tips to help you use the food package to determine which foods are WGR and how to avoid the pitfalls of confusing terms and phrases.
Read MoreGetting Started with Meatless Monday
Looking to start incorporating Meatless Monday into your menu? Our partners at the Humane Society of the United States have tips and resources to make it easier to prepare more plant-based meals.
Read MoreCelebrating with Creditable Grains
December is a month full of holiday celebrations, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and more. It is also a great time to model healthy habits by showing different ways to celebrate. We traditionally think grain-based desserts like brownies, cakes, and cookies are essential during festivities. However, several healthy grain options can be included as part of a meal or snack.
Read MoreSeasons of Grief
Use these resources from Sesame Street in Communities to help children, and the adults who care for them, learn ways to manage the emotions and changes that come with grief after someone close to them dies.
Read MoreKeep Active TogetherÂ
Staying active as a family is important for every family member’s physical health, especially around the holidays. If you are a parent or caregiver, learn how to prioritize movement and foster play and physical activity year-round. Our partners at Alliance for a Healthier Generation have great resources with ways to keep active together!
Read MoreFundamentals of Measuring: Weight and VolumeÂ
Which weighs more: a pound of lettuce or a pound of carrots? It’s a trick question! They weigh the same. However, if you think about how much space each would take up, a pound of lettuce would fill many more cups than a pound of carrots. Measuring can be confusing, so ICN’s November Mealtime Memo explains the difference between weight and volume and describe tools to measure both most accurately.
Read MoreEmotional Well-Being
Through a slew of new Sesame Street in Communities (SSIC) bilingual , research-based resources and engaging content, trusted adults can help children develop a foundation of essential skills they need to understand and manage their feelings. With a focus on the mind-body connection, SSIC’s latest resources support emotional awareness and understanding, and demonstrate techniques to promote healthy minds and bodies.
Read MoreStaff and Workplace Wellness
In a month known for monsters and candy, the best trick is treating your employees to better health and wellness. Employee wellness opportunities can help staff feel better, live healthier, and be more present for the children in your program. Healthy adults model healthy living for children
Read MoreFarm to School Month Resources
Our partners at the National Farm to School Network have great resources available to you to help celebrate Farm to School Month! This is also a great opportunity for you to get started with your farm to ECE journey!
Read MoreUsing the Food Buying Guide to Create Grocery Lists
Do you ever wish you could snap your fingers and the next week’s shopping list would appear? The Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs offers tools to help you do that with a mouse click or tap of the finger. The Institute of Child Nutrition’s Mealtime Memo describes the three versions of the Food Buying Guide that will help CACFP operators know how much food to purchase and prepare.
Read More