Posts Tagged ‘cacfp’
Quarterly Policy Update: January 2026
In the last three months, multiple updates have been issued by USDA and Congress. In early January, we saw the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as well as the passing of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law. In addition, USDA has approved off-site monitoring waivers for State agencies, released the 2026 SFSP reimbursement rates and rural designation map, and hosted a webinar on serious deficiency in the CACFP. NCA has also developed new resources on CACFP program integrity to support our community. Keep reading to see what you’ve missed and stay up to date with CACFP policy!
Read MoreProgram Integrity in the CACFP: Role of Sponsoring Organizations
Behind every CACFP meal is a system of oversight designed to maintain public trust and protect the people the program serves. Sponsoring organizations ensure compliance, accountability and continued access to nutritious meals while providing ongoing technical assistance. Here are resources that explain how program integrity is upheld in the CACFP.
Read MoreSerious Deficiency in the CACFP
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) posted a webinar recording for CACFP State agencies on the Serious Deficiency Process. The training was meant to equip State agencies with the ability to identify serious deficiencies and maneuver through the serious deficiency process.
Read MoreOff-site Monitoring in FY26
In Fiscal Year 2026, at least 20 States have submitted waiver requests to USDA to allow one monitoring visit to be conducted off-site for family day care homes. Read more to see which states have applied, and which states have requested additional waivers.
Read MoreCelebrating 40 Years of the National CACFP Association and a New Chapter in LeadershipÂ
In 2026, the National CACFP Association (NCA) celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of supporting the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the professionals who make nutritious meals possible for children and adults nationwide.
Read MoreSupport a CACFP Week Proclamation in Your State
National CACFP Week will be here before you know it! This year March 15-21 marks this national education campaign designed to raise awareness of the CACFP and its contribution to combating hunger. Ask Your Governor to Proclaim March 15-21, 2026, as National CACFP Week!
Read MoreFueling Young Minds
Every day, you do more than care for children—you help them grow strong and healthy. One of the best ways to support this growth is by serving nutritious meals and snacks. Our partners at ICN explore how healthy eating supports brain development, learning, and lifelong habits.
Read MoreChildren Missing Out on Afterschool Nutrition Programs
The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) released their Afterschool Supper report that snapshots participation in October 2024. They found that afterschool supper participation has increased and that CACFP represents 50% of the daily participation.
Read MoreSponsor Spotlight: Maves Ranola with Lutheran Services Florida
Lutheran Services Florida sponsors 24 affiliated Head Start and Early Head Start sites, 396 family day care homes and four emergency shelters. Collectively, these programs serve nutritious meals and snacks to over 6,000 children in their care. Read more about the work of this NCA member.
Read MoreHunger is increasing among those who provide care to young children
The Stanford Center on Early Childhood released a RAPID report that looks at how issues of food insecurity and hunger are affecting adults who provide care for young children. Their key finding: hunger is on the rise among child care providers.
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