Congratulations to These CACFP Professionals
Candidates with the CACFP Professional designation stand out among the crowd. If you're looking to enhance your professional image, it's time to pursue your CMP or CCNP. You may already qualify!
Weekly Celebrations
February is National Hot Breakfast Month! We have plenty of hot breakfast recipes on our website, including Bert & Ernie's Balanced Breakfast. January 29 is also National Puzzle Day, so we have some free puzzles for you to print, cut out and share with those in your care.
· Recipe: Bert & Ernie's Balanced Breakfast
· Meal Pattern Minute: Serving Meats/Meat Alternates at Breakfast
Children Missing Out on Afterschool Nutrition Programs
Through NSLP, schools can serve one snack afterschool to enrolled children. But, through the CACFP, schools and at-risk afterschool sites are able to serve supper in addition to a snack. This additional supper is an important opportunity to meet children’s nutritional needs after the school day is over. However a report by the Food Research and Action Center found that just 1 child for every 16 children who participated in the free or reduced-price school lunch program was served by the a supper afterschool in 2024.
Want to Learn More About Serving Afterschool Meals?
Schools providing snacks under NSLP are now required to follow CACFP meal patterns, which makes this a good time for them to participate in CACFP and add supper to the service as well. Join us for a free webinar on Thursday, February 5, to learn the key differences between the NSLP and CACFP snack and supper meal pattern requirements, eligibility and operations.
Get Ready for CACFP Week
CACFP Week is in less than two months! This year, we're higlighting how the CACFP is Stirring Up Goodness across the country, with its positive impact and the people who make it happen, one meal at a time. Head over to our website to download materials and learn how you can participate. You'll also get a free sample menu when you let us know that you're participating.
Industry Partner Spotlight
JA Food Service custom pre-packages nutritious shelf-stable meals that qualify for the Afterschool & Summer Feeding reimbursable guidelines. They work directly with Schools, Food Banks, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Non-Profit Organizations nationwide. Working directly with manufacturers, they provide thousands of food options, so their customers can design meal kits that meet their needs. They strive to deliver high-quality, shelf-stable meals to those in need across the country. Their dedicated team has done the work to make feeding today’s youth effortless with our breakfast, snack & lunch grab-and-go options.
Celebrating 40 Years of Impact
For four decades, NCA has championed nutrition security for millions of children and adults across America. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, hear directly from members of the CACFP community. These stories showcase how NCA has strengthened the program that serves over 4.5 million daily. Today, we have NCA Board Chair, Alix Pasillas, to share her journey with the CACFP and NCA.
We want to hear from you, too! Click here to share your story with us.
