Welcome to Our New Board of Directors Executive Team
With the start of the new fiscal year, the NCA Board of Directors has transitioned its leadership as well. Deborah Gillison-Wilson will serve as the Board Chair for FY27, while Beth Carlton will be the Chair-Elect and Treasurer. Kate Abernathy will serve another term as the Secretary, and Alix Pasillas moves into the role of Immediate Past Chair. Following the NCA Board of Directors elections, the FY27 Board also includes Denise Andrews, Michelle Buchanan, Rhonda Kobylecky, Maves Ranola and Carrie Murphy.
FY26 Advocacy Year in Review
Over the past year, NCA has worked alongside advocates across the country to elevate the voices of CACFP operators, influence federal policy, engage in regulatory processes, and raise awareness of the program's impact. From Capitol Hill to federal agencies, these efforts have helped ensure decision-makers understand both the opportunities and challenges facing the CACFP community.
Snack Attack
Try out these #CACFPCreditable snack combinations when you plan your next grocery trip:
Loose granola and vanilla yogurt
Macaroni and cheese with peas
BBQ shredded turkey and slider bun
Roasted fingerling potatoes and dried cranberries
Meatballs and breadsticks
Get Answers to Your Meal Pattern Questions
The meal pattern is the foundation of every CACFP menu, and the questions it raises don't always have obvious answers. Join us for our next CACFP Boot Camp: Meal Pattern in Practice on Thursday, November 19. We'll work through requirements based on age, documentation, crediting and whole grain-rich compliance, plus a live Q&A with our nutrition education specialists.
CACFP & SFSP Area Eligibility Data Now Available
At the start of every fiscal year, USDA's FNA releases a special tabulation of data provided by the Census Bureau for CACFP and SFSP that establishes area eligibility in the CACFP and SFSP. The data are effective as of October 1, 2026. The FNA mapping tools have also been updated to reflect the new data.
In Case You Missed It: NCNC27 Sweepstakes
Looking for a fantastic training and networking opportunity? You can enter for a chance to attend the 2027 National Child Nutrition Conference for free! One grand prize winner will receive complimentary registration, accommodations for four nights at the Hyatt Regency Chicago and a $450 travel credit. One runner-up will receive a virtual conference registration. No purchase necessary, and one entry is allowed per person.
Member Showcase
Darcie Decker has been with Youth and Family Services for more than four decades, currently serving as its Nutrition Director. YFS began as after-school programming for girls, and has grown to offer a wide array of resources for South Dakota communities. As part of its involvement in the CACFP, it now serves more than 14,000 children, and Darcie has been an important part of its expansion into family child care home sponsorship.
Industry Partner Spotlight
USA Pulses is an innovative group of organizations bringing people together to deliver the highest quality, nutrient dense, sustainable, and affordable foods on the planet. They work to improve the health of their people, soils, water, and planet by increasing consumption and production of dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans. They represent the entire U.S. pulse crop value chain including their growers, processors, exporters, food and ingredient manufacturers, researchers and beyond.
