Monday, April 22

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm | CACFP Professional Certification Program Overview 

Interested in learning more about how to earn the CACFP Management Professional or the CACFP Child Nutrition Professional designation? Join NCA board members to hear why the program was started, what the qualifications are and next steps to getting the certification complete.  

Presented by: Jennifer Basey, MEd, National CACFP Sponsors Association 

 

3:45 pm – 4:15 pm | Navigating the Conference Q&A 

Learn more about what to expect, how to navigate the schedule and where you need to be to get the most out of the 2024 National Conference. We’ll make sure you are able to walk away from this jam-packed, five-day conference with new insights and knowledge to use and share with colleagues back in the office. Get prepared to take home credit hours, handouts from presenters conference swag, exhibitor samples, and new contacts from the USDA, state agencies, sponsoring organizations and providers. 

Presented by: Lisa Mack, National CACFP Sponsors Association 

 

4:30 pm – 5:00 pm | Professional Networking: Strategies and Tips 

Are you a digital ghost? Do you know how to start conversations? Join us to learn how to implement strategies both in person and on social media to help meet people and advance your career. Afterwards we’ll head to the Regional Networking Reception together to put our skills to the test! ! ~ CEU Specialty 6

Presented by: Alexia Thex, MEd, National CACFP Sponsors Association 

 

Tuesday, April 23

7:15 am – 7:45 am | CACFP Creditable Tools and Resources 

Learn about the nutrition education resources which are available free-of-charge, including the guides for Identifying Whole Grain-Rich, determining sugar content in cereals and yogurt, and which milk to serve in the CACFP. ~ CEU Specialty 3

1. Learn where to find free nutrition education resources.  
2. Discover different types of resources.  
3. Learn how to apply nutrition education resources.  

Presented by: Lisa Mack, National CACFP Sponsors Association 

 

 8:00 am – 9:00 am  | SFSP Overview 

Don't know what SFSP even means? Are you brand new to child nutrition food programs? Do you run one program and are thinking about sponsoring another?  Learn how this food program provides healthy food access for children in child care, afterschool, out-of-school time and during summer. ~ CEU Specialty 8

1. Understand the basics of the SFSP.  
2. Identify the need for summer meals.  
3. Learn the types of sites and how areas of eligibility are determined.  

Presented by: Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LDN, National CACFP Sponsors Association 

 

9:15 am – 10:15 am | CACFP Overview 

You’re new-ish to the food program and concepts in the CACFP may not be as foreign to you, but you’d love to really explore the important areas in CACFP. Join us as we review the meal patterns, identify basic program administration requirements, and get a refresher on how reimbursement works in the CACFP. ~ CEU Specialty 2

1. Learn the basic requirements in administrative review. 
2. Understand how CACFP reimbursement works. 
3. Discuss the CACFP meal patterns.  

Presented by: Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LDN, National CACFP Sponsors Association 

 

9:15 am – 10:15 am | State Agency Collaboration (by invitation only)

Take the opportunity to connect with other State Agency staff and participate in an open discussion to exchange ideas with one another. 

Moderated by: Alexia Thex, MEd, National CACFP Sponsors Association 

 

1:15 pm - 2:15 pm | General Session

What you do matters! When we all come together in one room with one focus, you can be sure you’ll leave knowing that your role is as important as any other in ensuring that all children will have access to healthy foods. This session is strategically planned with speakers who will motivate us and remind us why we work to support our nation’s most vulnerable populations. 

Presented by: Lisa Mack, National CACFP Sponsors Association 

 

Wednesday, April 24

10:30 am – 11:00 am | NCA Annual Meeting (by invitation only) 

Members of the National CACFP Sponsors Association are invited to attend our annual meeting to learn about where the organization is today, hear from candidates for the NCA Board of Directors and find out what we have planned for the future. Our mission is to provide you with education resources, training opportunities, and guidance on federal programs policies.  

Presented by: Lisa Mack, National CACFP Sponsors Association 

 

Friday, April 26

8:00 am – 9:00 am | Rising Leaders Coffee Hour 

You’re ambitious and passionate about the CACFP. Join us for a cup of coffee while we talk about how you can get more involved in the association and become a leader in your program.  

Moderated by:

Lisa Mack, National CACFP Sponsors Association 

Annetta Rutland, CMP, CCNP, 4C for Children 

Denise Andrews, CMP, CCNP, For the Children 

Alix Pasillas, CMP, CCNP, Food for Kids 

 

 9:15 am – 10:15 am | CACFP Meal Pattern Exceptions 

The meal patterns are generally straightforward. However, there are some exceptions to the rules. Learn what to look for, how to menu plan with these in mind, and how they can benefit your meal service. ~ CEU Specialty 2 

1. Get answers to commonly asked questions.
2. Discover how to find resources to tackle exceptions.  
3. Understand how these impact your CACFP operations.  

Presented by: Lisa Mack, National CACFP Sponsors Association 

 

 10:30 am – 11:30 am | More About CACFP: Ask Us Anything! 

Don’t go home with unanswered questions. Want to know if something is creditable or meets the meal patterns? Have additional questions regarding audits? Need to clarify program administration or budgeting guidance? Get the answers you need from our experienced panel and make sure you go home with knowledge to impact your program. ~ CEU Specialty 2 

Presented by:

Annetta Rutland, CMP, CCNP, 4C for Children 

Denise Andrews, CMP, CCNP, For the Children 

Alix Pasillas, CMP, CCNP, Food for Kids 

 

 

11:45 am – 12:30 pm | CACFP Professional Certification Q&A 

Are you ready to earn your CACFP Management Professional or the CACFP Child Nutrition Professional designation but need more information? Bring your questions about certification requirements, acceptable documentation and the application process. 

Presented by: Elizabeth Sherman, National CACFP Sponsors Association