Afterschool Meals Overview

Learn the essentials of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and how afterschool programs can serve healthy meals, meet USDA requirements and receive federal reimbursement while playing a vital role in supporting children’s nutrition and food security. This overview will help you understand the foundational principles of the CACFP and show how your program can make a lasting impact in the fight against childhood hunger. ~ CEU Specialty 2, Beginner

1. Explain how afterschool programs provide a supportive environment for children.
2. Identify the requirements to operate the CACFP in ARAS locations.
3. Get resources and next steps for providing snacks and meals afterschool.

Presented by: Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, Senior Nutrition Education Specialist, National CACFP Association

 

CACFP 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, Certification Coordinator, National CACFP Association

 

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 the CACFP. Join us as we review the meal patterns, identify basic program administration and get a refresher on how reimbursement works in the CACFP. ~ CEU Specialty 2, Beginner

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, LD, Senior Nutrition Education Specialist, National CACFP Association

 

Creditable Tools & 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: Brittany Uribe, Senior Event Specialist, National CACFP Association

 

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 2026 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: Brittany Uribe, Senior Event Specialist, National CACFP Association

 

Professional Networking Strategies & Tips

Are you a digital ghost? Do you know how to start meaningful conversations? Join us to learn how to implement strategies both in person and on social media to help meet people and advance your career. After the session, we’ll all head to the Regional Networking event  together to connect with others. ~ CEU Specialty 6

Presented by: Alexia Thex, MEd, Vice President of Policy, Partnerships & Events, National CACFP Association

 

SFSP Overview

Unsure about 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 summer food program provides healthy food access for children in child care, afterschool and out-of-school time during the summer months when school is out of session. ~ CEU Specialty 8, Beginner

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

Presented by: Melinda Nguyen, MS, RDN, LD, Nutrition Education Specialist, National CACFP Association