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CACFP Regulations & Guidance

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Incorporating Local Beef Into CNP Meals

February 19, 2026

USDA released a memo outlining opportunities within current CACFP and SFSP regulations for operators to procure and use local beef in their creditable meals. The release of the memo is in response to the 2025-2030 DGA recommendation to prioritize protein foods. The memo does not make any changes to current requirements of the CACFP and SFSP; it simply outlines resources to help operators source and serve local beef.

Promoting Stronger Program Integrity and Oversight in the CACFP

February 12, 2026

USDA sent a memorandum to CACFP State agency Directors outlining the importance of program integrity and recommending oversight strategies to prevent fraud, waste and abuse.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 – Eat Real Food

February 11, 2026

USDA released a memo outlining some of the key updates included in the 2020-2030 DGAs. While USDA emphasizes that CACFP and SFSP operators familiarize themselves with the recommendations, there are no immediate changes to program requirements. Operators must continue to follow current CACFP and SFSP meal pattern requirements

FY26 Area Eligibility Map Updated

September 29, 2025

September 29, 2025 USDA announced that the CACFP and SFSP Area Eligibility Mapper has been updated for fiscal year 2026. Why It Matters Census data and school data are the two primary sources that may be used to determine whether a site is area eligible in CACFP and SFSP. Area eligibility is used to determine…

2025-2026 Cash In Lieu Value

August 15, 2025

The USDA has released the cash-in-lieu value of USDA foods for 2025-2026. The value has increased by half a cent.