Learning Center
Earn more than 100 hours of Continuing Education Units! The National CACFP Sponsors Association has both produced and curated a wide array of webinars to help you fulfill CEU requirements for your CMP or CCNP Certification. Below you will find CEUs organized by specialty, or you can also visit the webinar pages for the full course list by series. CEUs marked with a $ are paid resources and pricing can be found on the respective item's expanded information.
To register for continued education training, you will need an account. You may be in our system! If you've previously participated in continued education with us, have been a member, attended an event or ordered materials, click here to create your account. If not, then request an account here.
Specialty 1. Nutrition
Nutrition is the study of nutrients in food, how the body uses them, and the relationship between diet, health, and disease. The CACFP strives to teach lifelong healthy habits, decreasing obesity and increasing physical activity.
We all know that if children have the opportunity to prepare and taste new foods, they are more likely to eat them. What does research tell us about how to introduce new foods and which healthy foods to focus on? Learn the top ten tips and tricks for getting kids to love their veggies.
Watch On DemandThis webinar focuses on how to offer whole grains at CACFP sites.
Watch On DemandThe webinar provides an overview of the crediting updates resulting from the Request for Information and provides crediting technical assistance with hands-on practice specifically for tempeh and surimi.
Watch On DemandWhole grain-rich baking can be a signature part of your program that benefits menus, snacks, and acceptance while also helping your bottom-line. Learn how to choose a few signature favorite foods and align them with baking activities to involve children and parents in the science, literacy, art, food safety and math to boost benefits beyond the plate. Take home whole grain-rich baking resources.
Watch On DemandObtain a broad overview about dietary needs of individuals with swallowing impairment. Receive information on the various types of texture-modified diets to safely feed individuals.
Watch On DemandCenters, family child care homes, and afterschool care play a critical role in serving nutritious foods to those they serve. The CACFP guides you on how to provide healthy meals using five food components which make up the meal service requirements: grains, fruits, vegetables, meats/meat alternates and milk. Learn when these are required and how they fit into the CACFP meal pattern.
Watch On DemandMove over, brown rice, and hello, freekeh and tri-color quinoa. Variety is good, but kids still need to eat all of their brown rice, veggies and good proteins. We’ll talk about how to balance trends and still be healthy and compliant.
Watch On DemandThis webinar shows CACFP operators how to plan nutritious and appealing breakfasts that meet CACFP meal pattern requirements.
Watch On DemandLooking for new ideas for your CACFP lunch menu? Why not try brunch for lunch?! Hear about endless possibilities when combining breakfast food favorites and lunch classics. Learn how to navigate brunch related food components in the CACFP and get recipe ideas to use in your child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers.
Watch On DemandYou’re new-ish to food programs,working in it daily, and you’ve got the big picture. It’s been one or two years since you’ve started working in CACFP or SFSP, so concepts aren’t new or foreign to you, but you’d love to really explore the important areas with your peers. Attend this structured learning institute to review the meal patterns, discuss basic program administration and get a requirements refresher while also sharing in some table talk.
Watch On DemandSunny days with a refreshing breeze are a perfect time to take dining outdoors. Learn from our about how to create and safely serve CACFP meals picnic style, with or without a classic checkered blanket. Get new ideas on how to use portable foods for picnicking that meet the CACFP meal pattern.
Watch On DemandThis webinar walks the audience through Team Nutrition’s “How to Choose Breakfast Cereals Lower in Added Sugars” training worksheet and lets audience look at various cereals to see if they meet meal pattern requirements.
Watch On DemandThis webinar walks the audience through Team Nutrition’s “Choose Yogurts That Are Lower in Added Sugars” training worksheet and lets audience look at various yogurts to see if they meet meal pattern requirements.
Watch On DemandThe webinar will provide an overview of the CN Labeling Program with crediting updates resulting from the Final Rule: Child Nutrition Program Flexibilities for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Requirements and the Request for Information, in addition to crediting technical assistance specifically for the CN Labeling program.
Watch On DemandWhen should you request a CN Label or PFS? Is the crediting documentation for your product acceptable? Get clarity on common issues related to inaccurate or misleading product documentation. USDA will provide guidance on accepting documentation for meal pattern requirements and share sample Product Formulation Statements and CN Labels. Learn how to assess crediting documentation using sample CN Labels and Product Formulation Statements.
Watch On DemandDiscover the top nine food allergens and learn to recognize what food products contain these. Get a better understanding of how to read the food label to identify and avoid food allergens.
Watch On DemandShould nutrition be a CQI plan within your Head Start program? Yes! Learn what a CQI plan is and why having a CQI plan goal of decreasing your students BMI is important for your program. Get steps on how to create the right nutrition assessment and how Farm to Early Care implementation can play a vital role in decreasing your students’ BMI.
Watch On DemandServing nutritious food doesn’t matter unless the food is eaten. Spice up your CACFP recipes by learning how to make your menu items more flavorful using herbs, spices, and culinary acids. Get an overview of what makes up taste and how to make trying new foods exciting for those in your care.
Watch On DemandGet hands-on experience to successfully meet the CACFP meal pattern requirements with newly released or updated tools that can help you credit, purchase, and serve meals to program participants. Take a deep-dive into newly creditable foods in the CACFP and learn about the Crediting Handbook for the CACFP. Download the Food Buying Guide mobile app before attending the workshop.
Watch On DemandJoin the USDA for this interactive session on the new Crediting Handbook for CACFP. We will review the ins and outs of each of the five required meal components, discuss both creditable and non-creditable food items, and engage the audience in hands-on crediting exercises. You won’t want to miss it!
Watch On DemandThis webinar provides an overview of the crediting updates resulting from the Request for Information and provides crediting technical assistance with hands-on practice specifically for vegetable noodles and coconut.
Watch On DemandThe webinar provides an overview of the crediting updates resulting from the Request for Information for these foods and provide crediting technical assistance with hands-on practice specifically for Popcorn, Hominy, Corn Masa, and Masa Harina.
Watch On DemandThis webinar will show CACFP operators how to identify store-bought combination baby foods that may be served at reimbursable meals and snacks to infants. Attendees will have a chance to submit questions to the presenters and check their knowledge through interactive polling questions.
Watch On DemandAmericans of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds are disproportionately affected by many chronic diseases, highlighting the need for more inclusive dietary messaging. Explore cultural models of healthy eating from around the world, with practical tips, insight, and recipes for diverse populations, with a special focus on Gen Z, and a cooking demonstration.
Watch On DemandLearn practical skills to building cultural competence in working with Head Start families, with a special focus on meal planning for diverse cultures and being sensitive to the needs and challenges of children from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Watch On DemandNews flash! One of our little ones may be a new arrival from Afghanistan or a returnee in their second year with us whose parent(s) hail from Guatemala. Move over Sloppy Joe and Frittata, we want Lavash and Rellenitos too. What better way could there be to learn about other cultures than with food?
Watch On DemandLearn how to adjust your menu when a participant has a dairy allergy. Receive training on how to identify foods containing dairy, how to modify recipes, and what dairy products can be replaced to meet the fluid milk component.
Watch On DemandLearn the differences between various types of mechanical diets and how to prepare these foods to meet CACFP guidelines.
Watch On DemandCome learn ideas and tools providers can use to implement positive mealtimes. Topics include Smarter Mealtimes, examining picky eater’s behaviors while identifying tips for creating adventurous eaters and engaging child participation in the kitchen. Leave with strategies, recipes and activities that engage children of any age!
Watch On DemandThe CACFP helps children learn healthy eating habits. Learn how you can introduce new foods through various taste testing strategies. Discover tips for getting kids to try new foods while they are on their taste testing adventure!
Watch On DemandCreating healthy eating patterns in the classroom is only one part of the equation: parents and home environments are the other. Learn about the important role parents play in the development of a child’s feeding patterns and how to increase parent awareness and engagement of CACFP best practices.
Watch On DemandFarm to early care and education can help foster children’s learning and exposure to new foods and is a fun way to make education and exploration come alive. Discover how simple nutrition education activities get children excited about new foods, hear about best practices and stories of how it can empower children, families, and providers, and learn how to create a year-long program that teaches children about nutrition, gardening, cooking and nature.
Watch On DemandIntroducing children to fruits and veggies early has long-term, positive impacts on health, wellness and social and emotional skills. We’re sharing resources to engage kids with fresh foods and garden tools.
Watch On DemandLearn how to identify, purchase, and serve farmers’ market finds so that the children and adults you serve can enjoy fresh flavors of the season.
Watch On DemandWe’ll talk about how to use this USDA guide to make the most impact for infants.
Watch On DemandThis webinar focuses on how the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) infant meal pattern supports infant growth and development for babies ages birth through 5 months.
Watch On DemandThis webinar focuses on how the CACFP infant meal pattern supports infant growth and development for babies ages 6 through 11 months. The webinar includes information on developmental readiness and feeding infants solid foods in the CACFP.
Watch On DemandInfancy is a critical period when children develop taste preferences and habits that last a lifetime. What, when and how we feed babies can impact their overall development and relationship with food. We will cover CACFP meal patterns for infants, infant feeding best practices and provide healthy, inexpensive ideas for planning your infant meals.
Watch On DemandDiets that contain all the food groups in their right balance together and include the right mix and types of whole and refined grain foods provide key nutrients known to bolster immunity. Hear about the many ‘players’ of the immune system, learn why aging and underlying conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and gut dysbiosis increase vulnerability to the COVID-19 virus, and discover how grain components can be important for building a strong immune system.
Watch On DemandLearn why physical activity and nutrition are important topics for children and how to integrate these into every day learning opportunities. We’ll share best practices for, and look at the importance of, developing an action plan to incorporate physical activities into your program.
Watch On DemandWant to know what a #CACFPCreditable meal looks like for Thanksgiving? Let’s talk turkey and more! Not serving turkey? We’ll cover meat alternates you can menu plan, favorite sides and whole grain-rich ideas.
Watch On DemandThis webinar highlighted resources, training materials, and frequently asked questions related to using ounce equivalents for grains.
Watch On DemandThis webinar will focus on how Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operators can identify grain-based desserts, and use this knowledge to plan menus that meet program requirements.
Watch On DemandLooking for ideas to help promote health and nutrition to the families you serve? We’ll share tips for promoting healthy eating through meal planning.
Watch On DemandDiscover foods that benefit and impact different parts of the human body with new ways and ideas to serve these foods in Child Nutrition Programs. Review and discuss CACFP nutrition program updates including tools to calculate ounce equivalents. Leave with resources to train this workshop to program participants.
Watch On DemandThis webinar focuses on how child care centers and family child care homes that participate in the CACFP can support breastfeeding.
Watch On DemandServing whole grain-rich (WGR) grains is an important element of the meal pattern. Learn how to identify which product meet the whole grain-rich regulations. Trainers can use this workshops to support CACFP participants.
Watch On DemandThis webinar will focus on how CACFP operators can use a food’s ingredient list to identify whole grain-rich items for their menus.
Watch On DemandThis webinar will focus on how CACFP operators can use a food’s ingredient list to identify whole grain-rich items for their menus, with a focus on how to treat flour blends.
Watch On DemandSodium is an essential mineral that plays important roles in our bodies. However, we may be consuming too much, resulting in increasing health risks like high blood pressure. Learn about the impacts of sodium and how to shape healthy habit choices early by knowing how to identify amounts of sodium on Nutrition Fact Labels and how to modify meals to reduce salt usage while still retaining all the flavor from our favorite recipes.
Watch On DemandThis webinar focuses on tools that can be used to determine how much of a grain item is needed to meet CACFP meal pattern requirements.
Watch On DemandEating patterns that are adopted during childhood affect health across a lifespan. Learn new ways to introduce healthy and nutritious food choices to children participating in CACFP through fun and interactive learning activities.
Watch On DemandLearn the differences between various types of special diets and how to prepare these foods to meet CACFP guidelines.
Watch On DemandServing those in our care safely is our top priority! Learn about the nine major food allergens and how to recognize what food products contain these. Get a better understanding of how to read the food label to identify and avoid food allergens.
Watch On DemandLearn more about USDA’s recently released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 – our nation’s leading nutrition advice to help all Americans lead healthier lives. For the first time, the Dietary Guidelines includes specific recommendations for all life stages including infants and toddlers. Find out how to implement the Guidelines into your program.
Watch On DemandYou’ve learned about how to modify meals based on special dietary requests; now see how it’s done! Join us in this half hour cooking session where you will get recipes using these meal modifications.
Watch On DemandThis webinar will include practical tips for how CACFP operators can meet meal pattern requirements while addressing a toddler’s developmental needs.
Watch On DemandThis webinar focuses on cooking nutritious meals and snacks in the CACFP, using methods such as roasting, baking, steaming, sautéing, stir-frying, grilling and more.
Watch On DemandWe’re here to clarify your meal pattern questions! At this free training, we will answer commonly asked questions, show how to access training from USDA Team Nutrition, and explore online resources.
Watch On DemandLearn fun, developmentally appropriate physical activities to play with infants and toddlers in CACFP child care homes and centers and Early Head Start classrooms. Consider the many benefits of physical activity and how these activities help meet recommended best practices. View demonstrations and videos of these activities so you can apply these ideas in your own trainings.
Watch On DemandThe webinar provides an overview of the crediting updates resulting from the Request for Information and provides crediting technical assistance with hands-on practice specifically for dried meat products.
Watch On DemandA new year means fresh recipe ideas for your center or family care home! But where to start? We’ve got you covered! Join us for this fun session where you will learn new #CACFPCreditable recipes that could bring excitement to any menu.
Watch On DemandLearn about the vital role of nutrition and brain development. Understand specific nutrients essential for brain development and approaches to ensure adequate intake. Examine how hunger impacts physical growth and academic performance as well as the importance of embedding evidenced-based nutrition education as a strategy to improve nutritional status.
Watch On DemandMenus are not “one size fits all”! In this session, we will review feeding skills and milestones, and present strategies for planning menus that meet children’s developmental needs from 0-5 years. Participants will learn tips and tricks that prevent picky eating habits and will review common choking hazards to avoid for young children.
Watch On DemandBeing healthy is not only based on the foods we serve but also how we stay moving throughout the day. Learn why keeping children active should be an important part in everyday activities and how essential physical activity is to child development. Get ideas on how to incorporate new, fun, physical activity games into your program.
Watch On DemandCACFP portioning can be confusing on paper, and in practice many more questions come up. See correct portion sizes illustrated and get answers to common real-world portioning and service questions. Get tips for the kitchen and find out what tools help compliance and reduce food waste.
Watch On DemandProviding the food is only half the battle! Responsive feeding practices help prevent picking eating, and create a positive mealtime environment. Learn key feeding practices that prevent picky eating and get examples for incorporating responsive feeding into your mealtime observations.
Watch On DemandShort on time and tired of serving the same old snacks day in and day out? Breathe new life into your snack time routine by filling your recipe box with new, favorite go-to ideas for snack time. Learn about quick snacks that can be prepared in advance or on the spot and how to involve children in some of the snack making activities.
Watch On DemandThis webinar shows CACFP operators how to plan and prepare reimbursable meals and snacks for adult participants.
Watch On DemandServing adults in the CACFP is more than just increasing the portion size of the meal pattern requirements. Learn about allowable substitutions, get insight into senior nutrition and healthy, and discover the wealth of resources available for free about food, nutrition, and physical activities for older adults.
Watch On DemandCold lunches can be fun and may be a necessity if you are planning a picnic or field trip. In addition to meal pattern requirements, prep time, and cost, overall appearance matters when menu planning cold lunches. We’ll review favorite cold lunch menus and determine if it’s cost effective and desirable for children.
Watch On DemandLearn how to menu plan with tips from our friends at the Sesame Street Workshop and discover why serving healthy meals is crucial for children ages 0-5.
Watch On DemandThis webinar focuses on the option to serve meat and meat alternates in place of grains at breakfast up to three times per week for those following CACFP and preschool meal patterns.
Watch On DemandThis webinar walks the audience through Team Nutrition’s “Serving Milk in the CACFP” training worksheet and lets audience select milk for various age groups to meet meal pattern requirements.
Watch On DemandThis webinar will show CACFP operators how to plan and prepare snacks for children and adults in their care.
Watch On DemandDo you love menu planning or are you not sure even where to begin? Learn how to get started and what you should take into consideration when developing a cycle menu or planning meals one week at a time. Receive new, easy recipe ideas that are sure to become favorites at your center or in your child care home!
Watch On DemandThis webinar will focus on creative and appealing ways to offer vegetables at meals and snacks in the CACFP.
Watch On DemandGet an overview of USDA’s campaign, which supports breastfeeding moms with comprehensive, current and culturally appropriate messaging, materials, and a website. Campaign goals encourage initiation and continuation of breastfeeding; increase knowledge and ability to breastfeed; increase referrals to WIC; and provide technical assistance in the promotion of breastfeeding.
Watch On DemandThis webinar shows Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operators how to use the Nutrition Facts label to identify items that may be served at reimbursable meals and snacks.
Watch On DemandThis webinar will focus on how CACFP operators can use the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) food list to find creditable cereals and whole grain-rich foods to serve as part of a reimbursable meal or snack.
Watch On DemandDiscover new ways to incorporate plant-based meals into the CACFP meal pattern. Learn how using plant-based recipes can be beneficial to your budget and your health.
Watch On DemandLearn about how to keep children and adults hydrated by including water-rich food components in the CACFP. Get thirst-satisfying recipes to help ensure everyone stays safely hydrated during these warm months.
Watch On DemandDevelop an understanding about the differences between wheat and gluten meal modifications. Learn how to identify food products containing wheat or gluten. Receive recipe ideas that will help you adapt and modify your menus.
Watch On DemandSpecialty 2. Program Operations
CACFP Operations consist of the tasks that are performed to support the requirements of the CACFP program. For example, a provider may take training on how to keep records that are required to participate in the CACFP. Trainings to learn how to properly plan a menu to meet CACFP requirements or how to review and process claims are other examples.
Get ready to use ounce equivalents to determine the amount of grains to serve to infants in the CACFP! Learn about the requirement going into effect on October 1, 2021 and tools that make implementation easier. Participants will leave this session knowing how much cereal, crackers, and bread are needed to meet meal pattern requirements for infants.
Watch On DemandThis training will focus on the performance standards that govern child nutrition and how they align with the CACFP program to provide good nutrition to children in Head Start. Also, learn what’s new in the HS performance standards concerning child nutrition.
Watch On DemandGet ideas on how to care for children while keeping social distancing in mind including the importance of hand-washing, ways to engage in physical activity while six-feet apart, and craft ideas that are for solo imagineers.
Watch On DemandHear ideas, insights and inspiration from No Kid Hungry’s first-ever cohort of Afterschool Meals Champions. Let’s expand meal service through CACFP’s At-Risk Afterschool program!
Watch On DemandLearn how to plan delicious, culturally appropriate, kid-friendly menus using local, seasonal foods. Start with the decision making tree to learn your best options for local purchasing. Learn time-saving tips to prepare fresh menu items. Participate in activities to promote new food to children and support your Farm to ECE Program and check out CACFP-standardized recipes to streamline the menu planning process.
Watch On DemandWondering if what you’re serving is creditable in the CACFP? We can help! We’ll share where to look to find nutrition education resources to help you be confident in your food component choices, including the guides for Identifying Whole Grain-Rich, determining sugar content in cereals and yogurt, and which milk to serve in the CACFP.
Watch On DemandLearning opportunities abound at meal times in Head Start sites. Help your staff or team understand the performance regulations for family style meal service and how they can incorporate Math, Science, Language and Literacy into their meal times.
Watch On DemandLearn how to implement a Garden to Early Childhood program model in your curriculum. Hear about suggested best practices, fundamentals of teaching gardening to young children, planning year-round gardening activities, and incorporating a garden-to-table element for a healthy and fresh food program.
Watch On DemandCelebrate the harvest by including seasonal produce harvested from your garden, purchased from the local farmers market, or grocery store into your cycle menu! Learn the basics of developing a cycle menu and how to incorporate seasonal foods in the menu planning process.
Watch On DemandHoliday Menu Planning in the CACFP? Yes! Healthy and festive. Looking for ideas to replace traditional holiday sweets and treats with healthy and nutritious foods? Want to learn more about what #CACFPCreditable Holiday meals look like among different cultures?
Watch On DemandMaybe you love to develop delicious recipes, or a parent has shared one of their family favorites, but you are not sure how to make it creditable in the CACFP. Learn key tips and methods on how to evaluate recipes to ensure they are #CACFPCreditable as we guide you through our recipe crediting worksheet.
Watch On DemandAre you convinced and ready to join the CACFP, but not sure where to get started? Learn how to successfully launch the program at your center, home or afterschool site. Find out how to work with a sponsor who will provide you training, technical assistance, monitoring, and administrative support or how to work with a state agency directly. Start getting financial reimbursement for meals you are already serving.
Watch On DemandVariety is the spice of life! However, adding variety to your menu while managing a budget, food waste, storage space and more can be a real challenge in a food and nutrition program. Ease some of these issues by learning how to menu plan using multipurpose menu products. We’ll share successful menu planning techniques, tips and tricks, and chef-led demos.
Watch On DemandAdd some pizazz to meal or snack time with visually appealing, delicious, and exciting new recipes! Learn how to make power bowls with fresh ingredients and easy charcuterie boards for meals and snack times. Looking for a few meal ideas that don’t require a lot of preparation? Get inspired with muffin tin, slow cooker and sheet pan recipes, where you can include at least 2 CACFP meal components in one dish.
Watch On DemandThis webinar focuses on different meal planning techniques that can be used to serve healthy and appealing meals and snacks that meet CACFP and Preschool meal pattern requirements.
Watch On DemandCACFP home and commercial kitchens operate at their best with well-planned menus. Menus drive budgets, kitchen efficiency, purchasing/grocery shopping, receiving, customer satisfaction, and so much more. Join Chef Brenda to learn how to cr
Watch On DemandThis webinar focuses on how to use Offer Versus Serve meal service, available and optional for sites that serve at-risk afterschool and adult participants in the CACFP only.
Watch On DemandMenus require planning and forecasting as well as recipe and menu development. Create safe menus while facing pandemic shortages by seeing how popular foods can be versatile and support your program.
Watch On DemandLearn how food can become unsafe, and explore methods to reduce risk of food-borne illness in child care settings. Understand how to handle, prepare and store foods safely. Review CACFP crediting information for infant foods and combination foods. Gain resources to train this workshop for CACFP participants.
Watch On DemandStandardized recipes are a critical tool to scratch cooking in the CACFP. This session focuses on some key concepts that are essential to understanding, developing, and serving standardized recipes to meet desired meal pattern contributions. This results in consistent product yields, reducing food costs, and efficiency in the kitchen. Learn how to create standardized recipes for your centers and how to guide your home providers so they can be sure their recipes are #CACFPCreditable.
Watch On DemandAll sponsors are navigating virtual monitoring during the pandemic. Get ideas from small, medium, and large sponsoring organizations on how they are performing reviews and providing technical assistance to their homes and centers.
Watch On DemandNo space? No soil? No problem. Learn how to start a straw bale garden from beginning to end. You will be ready to plant and grow with the children in your care this Spring!
Watch On DemandSpecialty 3. Training & Technology
Training and Technology CEU credits consist of train-the-trainer workshops you may attend designed to give you the tools to teach others. It can also include workshops to learn CACFP software for uses such as record keeping, menu planning, or determining how to ensure you are meeting food crediting minimums. For example, training on the use of the USDA Food Buying Guide can be applied here.
This webinar provides an interactive overview of Team Nutrition’s new resource, the CACFP Trainer’s Tools: Feeding Infants Kit. This kit includes a trainer’s guide, presentation slides and trainer notes, videos, and digital interactive games. Hear how these components help trainers deliver information on hot topics like developmental readiness, hunger and fullness signs, handling and storing breastmilk and infant formula, and much more!
Watch On DemandThis training will highlight effective training strategies used by the Kansas State Department of Education and resources from the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN).
Watch On DemandState agency staff from Iowa, Massachusetts, and Nebraska will share experiences in developing and implementing online learning modules.
Watch On DemandThis webinar will spotlight interactive approaches used by the Maryland State Department of Education and the Texas Department of Agriculture to actively engage participants during in-person CACFP trainings.
Watch On DemandLearn about the Exhibit A Grains Tool, a feature included with the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs Interactive Web-Based Tool. The Exhibit A Grains Tool allows you to search for your grain product (as listed on Exhibit A) and enter in the serving size from the product label. The tool then helps you determine: 1) ounce equivalent (oz eq) grains or grains/bread serving(s) for the grain product, and 2) amount to serve to provide your desired grains contribution. In this webinar, Team Nutrition also provided in-depth practice for using the grains tool as well as highlighting the available training video. Participants can also experience the Exhibit A Grains Tool on the Mobile App. Program operators can calculate the grain contributions on-the-go.
Watch On DemandLearn about the new Food Buying Guide (FBG) Mobile App and FBG Interactive Web Tool via a live demonstration! You’ll learn how to utilize the innovative features of these tools including search and navigation, the ability to compare food yield information, and the ability to create a favorite foods list. In addition, speakers from the Nutrition and Technical Assistance Branch, we also highlight an exciting feature of the Interactive Web Tool: the interactive Product Formulation Statement Workbook, which allows manufacturers to easily search and populate selected food items into the workbook, calculate their product’s contribution statement, and generate a certified document that provides crediting information for child nutrition program operators.
Watch On DemandTeam Nutrition demonstrates the latest enhancements to the Exhibit A Grains Tool. The Exhibit A Grains Tool allows you to search for your grain product as listed on Exhibit A and enter in the serving size from the product label. The tool helps you determine: 1) ounce equivalent (oz eq) grains or grains/bread serving(s) for the grain product, 2) amount to serve to provide your desired grains contribution, and (3) with the new update, the amount to serve for a grain product in order to meet the minimum grains requirement by age/grade groups for specific child nutrition programs. This webinar provides a demonstration and in-depth practice for using the grains tool on the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs (FBG) Interactive Web-Based Tool. Participants will also experience the Exhibit A Grains Tool on the Mobile App, which allows program operators to determine the grains contribution and the amount to serve on-the-go.
Watch On DemandLearn about FBG Calculator, the new feature included with the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs Interactive Web-Based Tool. The FBG Calculator is designed to create a shopping list to assist child nutrition program operators when ordering food for their programs. In this webinar, Team Nutrition also provided in-depth practice for using the calculator as well as highlighting the newly released training video. Participants can also experience the FBG Calculator on the FBG Mobile App. Program operators will be able to create and use their shopping list on-the-go.
Watch On DemandTeam Nutrition has several resources and tools to help CACFP operators transition to grains ounce equivalents – no food scales required! Receive hands-on training and leave with a menu of options for successful implementation. Download the Food Buying Guide (FBG) before watching this session.
Watch On DemandFrom provider toolkits to activity sheets for children to training worksheets and more, learn what resources we have available to you free of charge that you can use today for promoting nutrition and physical activities. Learn where to find free online training and handouts for specific CACFP guidelines that will set you up for program success.
Watch On DemandExplore Start Simple with MyPlate and the new digital tools and resources which offer free, personalized resources based on eating needs and habits. Discover resources for every life stage that can help you live healthfully.
Watch On DemandThis webinar will help state agencies, CACFP sponsoring organizations, and independent centers provide training on using ounce equivalents instead of “servings” to determine amounts of grains. CACFP operators are required to use ounce equivalents for grains by Oct. 1, 2021 (“Delayed Implementation of Grains Ounce Equivalents in the Child and Adult Care Food Program Final Rule”). Webinar participants will learn about existing training tools and strategies available on grains ounce equivalents. Additionally, Oregon’s Department of Education will share how they used virtual training techniques to provide training for CACFP operators.
Watch On DemandFollow along this step-by-step process to using the USDA Food Buying Guide (FBG) in order to calculate grain ounce equivalents. Learn how to use both the website and the FBG app for your mobile device.
Watch On DemandSpecialty 4. Program Administration
CACFP Administration consists of the activities that are related to operating a CACFP sponsoring organization or state agency with regards to the food program specifically. For example, a director or manager may take trainings on ways to develop corrective action plans or how to enroll a new site. Classes like these which address how to administer the food program, are counted in this specialty.
Learn the CACFP best practices for the submission of accurate claims for the reimbursements of meals. Identify management practices that adversely impact claims and help ensure that providers are getting reimbursed for the meals that they are serving.
Watch On DemandLearn about proven strategies that have resulted in significant cost savings for CACFP and SFSP Sponsors including electronic meal counting, leftover policies, frozen meals, shelf-stable back-up meals, different meal packaging, and partnering with food banks for donated foods. These valuable tools and tips can produce savings that translate into better quality food and financial security for programming.
Watch On DemandLearn about the impact of COVID on CACFP providers, sponsors, and state agencies as told through the results of a nationwide survey. Hear about the challenges and training needs for operators, get insights from state directors about challenges of administering CACFP during COVID, and learn about strategies that states and the federal government can take to better support families with young children to avoid food insecurity, including CACFP-specific infrastructure and support.
Watch On DemandThe Summer and Afterschool Nutrition Programs are key to combating hunger when the school day ends. Hear about promising practices from national and local levels in expanding access to meals for the millions of children who qualify and learn ways to maintain your existing participation.
Watch On DemandLearn how to use Adult Learning theory techniques to capture the attention of your program site supervisors to highlight the most frequent compliance issues during training. Take home an audit calendar to prepare for your state review, sample Performance Improvement Plans, standard compliance operating procedures, and other tools to continue to serve your sites year after year.
Watch On DemandYou’ve heard the term Corrective Action, but how does it impact you? As a sponsor you may need to write a Corrective Action Plan and as a provider you may need to complete one. Practice walking through the steps of a Corrective Action Plan and receive valuable tips to communicate your plan effectively.
Watch On DemandReimbursement rates for CACFP participants are dependent upon a variety of factors, such as whether you operate a family home child care, center, or afterschool program. Learn how to determine what the amount of reimbursement would be based on your enrollment, meal service, and rates of reimbursement. Discover how to qualify and how to receive financial reimbursement once you join the CACFP.
Watch On DemandFood insecurity for children in the United States is on the rise, and research has proven that hungry children cannot learn. Become part of the solution by offering an innovative summer feeding program and adding supper to your school year program. Hunger doesn’t take a vacation, so these out-of-school time meal service opportunities are critical in most areas across the country. Learn how to get stakeholder buy-in, what staffing and logistics requirements look like, which menus work best, and ways to reach a rural community.
Watch On DemandPaper records use valuable space, paper, ink, and time to sort through. Learn how simple it can be to take your program into the digital age. Get a step-by-step plan to follow if you would like to become more tech savvy and efficient with your resources and be prepared for you next audit using digital files. Successful implementation requires a scanner and possible file storage hosting services.
Watch On DemandGet step-by-step guidance on how to maximize policies, procedures and training to counteract the most common findings. Take home handouts on how to strengthen your business by targeting the inefficiencies in your workflow.
Watch On DemandSet up schools for afterschool meals success with the knowledge and experience of a school nutrition director and a nonprofit sponsor. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from finding the right models for partnership and implementation to communication with school and district officials to logistics and staffing.
Watch On DemandAre you in a quandary about the SD process? Get an overview of the serious deficiency process, hear about the most common errors in responding to serious deficiencies, and better understand the elements of the appeals process and role of the hearing official.
Watch On DemandSpecialty 5. Financial Management
Financial management may be defined as planning, organizing, directing and controlling the financial activities of an organization.
Learn tips and best practices on the preparation of an acceptable administrative budget. Topics will include the importance of strategic planning, using historical financial information to develop the budget, determining what expenses are allowable/ unallowable, identifying staffing requirements, how excess administrative funds affect the budget and updating the budget throughout the year.
Watch On DemandGet training on developing a CACFP budget including; hands-on practice on budget forecasting, assessing if a cost is allowable/unallowable and determining when to revise or amend the budget.
Watch On DemandAre your backup expense files organized and ready to go? We’ll share methods that make audits and reviews successful.
Watch On DemandAre you a multi-program or multi-state sponsor? You’ll need strong organization, clear cost allocation, and excellence in monitoring to be prepared for your state audit. Learn how to operate so State Agencies find it a breeze to perform your Management Evaluations.
Watch On DemandLearn how to increase food access through purchasing practices and strategies implemented in the CACFP such as relationship building with co-ops, community supported agriculture, and farmers. We’ll talk about how to plan your purchases following program regulations and guidelines and how to increase family engagement by showing how parents can easily adopt similar strategies and initiatives at home.
Watch On DemandLet’s share great fundraising ideas. Get 4 – 6 ideas on how to fundraise.
Watch On DemandNew to grant writing? Learn how to read and respond to a Request for Proposal when applying for a grant. Get tips on how to write a statement of need, outline measurable objectives and evaluation measures, put together budget justifications.
Watch On DemandGain insight on investigating allegations of non-compliance in the CACFP and SFSP. Learn how to identify red flags during a monitoring review and take home interview techniques, sampling methodologies, and best practices which have been instrumental in identifying fraud, waste, and abuse in federally funded programs.
Watch On DemandGet an overview of federal procurement regulations and practical tools on how to execute successful procurement measures.
Watch On DemandSpecialty 6. Management
Management is the act of overseeing or supervising a team or organization. The CEU’s in this category do not have to be CACFP specific and can include trainings like leadership, how to engage teams, developing a succession plan, and working with a board of directors.
Understand the power of recognition, learn how to give great feedback and build a team that trusts. Get a list of guiding principles that create a culture of collaboration and accountability. Discover how looking at the big picture can help with the small stuff in your workplace.
Watch On DemandWe’re sharing ideas on how to help employees feel connected and engaged during the COVID Pandemic.
Watch On DemandWhen you experience work overload day in and day out, you can start to feel as though you’re on a treadmill and that you’ll never catch up. This can be stressful and often leads to burnout. Learn how to create a self-care plan that prioritizes your mental health and helps you manage stress more effectively.
Watch On DemandLooking to promote the CACFP to new providers and centers who aren’t on the food program? Trying to figure out how to let parents know why childcare programs who participate in the CACFP means their children are getting a healthy start in life? Learn why it’s important to add regular outreach activities to your to-do list. We’ll talk about hosting virtual open house events, going live on Facebook, adding giveaways to your social media, developing regular communications, and why supporting community events matters.
Watch On DemandDo you have what is takes to lead? Is your team producing great results? Every great team starts with a great leader. Learn effective strategies on what it takes to lead and have a great successful team while exploring various leadership skills and leadership styles.
Watch On DemandReady to reignite your passion? Become motivated around the fact that you matter, and what you do is important. Learn who you are at your best, and what helps you to operate at optimal potency. Leave understanding what your best ability is, and why it is important to stay encouraged even in the tough times.
Watch On DemandBecause of COVID-19, many have had to adapt to changing meal delivery systems and regulations, wearing protective equipment, and providing educational support for their own children. Even though staff feel good about providing an essential service, the additional demands can have a toll on well-being. In this thought-provoking session, attendees will acknowledge the sources of their stress, hear about research-proven methods to increase well-being, and leave with ways to take care of themselves.
Watch On DemandSpecialty 7. Civil Rights & Policy
CACFP Civil Rights training is required annually with the purpose of informing compliance and enforcement against any type of discrimination in all FNS nutrition programs and activities. Policy training consists of CACFP regulations, USDA guidance, and Congressional action while advocacy sessions include topics of public support or recommendations for the CACFP.
Get requirement updates related to accommodating participants with disabilities participating in CACFP/SFSP, as required by Federal law, USDA regulations and the Policy Memorandum, Modifications to Accommodate Disabilities in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program to ensure equal access and opportunity.
Watch On DemandEquitable and inclusive access to healthy meals is critical in addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes. Meals and nutrition education offered through CACFP play a vital role in the health and well-being of children and families. Explore best practices and opportunities for providers to help advance health equity through a policy, systems, and environmental approach. ~
Watch On DemandEmergency funding, child nutrition reauthorization, policy waivers and more! Hear what’s going on nationally and how it could affect you locally.
Watch On DemandHistoric racial inequities are perpetuating hunger and poverty. This is perhaps even more of a reality during COVID-19. CACFP, SFSP and other child nutrition programs help to combat class inequities, but children of color still bear the consequences of structural racism. Hear about what racial equity is and how this lens can be applied to specific recommendations in food access and nutrition.
Watch On DemandCivil Rights training is an annual requirement for state agency staff who interact with program applicants, sponsors, program participants, potentially eligible individuals and those persons who supervise front line staff. This session will fulfill that requirement while addressing the Civil Rights training requirements as outlined in FNS Instruction 113-1, Civil Rights Compliance and Enforcement – Nutrition Programs and Activities.
Watch On DemandOver 1,200 survey respondents confirmed what many of us already knew: COVID-19 has impacted CACFP operators and child care businesses with severe financial challenges. CACFP operators are in overwhelming need of direct and significant financial aid outside of current program funding. Child care and the CACFP community are on the brink of collapse and facing imminent threat of shutting down without it. Learn more about the impact COVID has had on the CACFP Community.
Watch On DemandLearn about the status of the CACFP Emergency Funding, why the ongoing Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill can make an impact on your programs, and how you can take action to make a difference to both.
Watch On DemandYou agree to serve healthy meals and snacks. The USDA CACFP offers you financial reimbursement. Learn about the history of the food program and how to get the most from your day of exciting training with us. We’re defining the CACFP and celebrating you!
Watch On DemandLearn about the root causes of poverty, understand how poverty impacts families and children, and explore policy ideas and strategies for reducing poverty and mitigating its negative effects.
Watch On DemandThe webinars below do not count towards a CACFP Professional Certification CEU specialty.
Join No Kid Hungry and program providers from rural Maryland and Georgia to learn about the unique nature of reaching kids in rural areas for summer food service. Hear directly from sponsors who find success with mobile meals, including details on securing vehicles and equipment, managing costs, menu planning, and more.
Watch On Demand