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Meal Pattern Minute: Vegan Cheese

Plant-based diets are growing in prevalence, and there are tons of great vegan options to serve in the CACFP, like tofu, tempeh, nuts and legumes. Does vegan cheese fit into the CACFP meal pattern?

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Raising Adventurous Eaters with First Foods

Pile of pamphlets for raising adventurous eaters

For anyone involved in feeding little ones — whether that’s a parent, caregiver, family member, or friend — timely guidance can make it easier to navigate the ups and downs of each child’s feeding journey. That’s why our partners at Partnership for a Healthier America and the Dr. Yum Project are providing anticipatory guidance on infant feeding and early veggie introduction.

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Proposed Rule: Revisions to Meal Patterns to be Consistent with the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Icon - Bag of sugar

The USDA released a document with proposed revisions to Child Nutrition Programs’ meal patterns in order to be consistent with the 2020 dietary guidelines for Americans. Key proposed changes that affect CACFP include:

1. New “added sugar” standards for breakfast cereals and yogurts
2. Flavored milk restrictions, dependent on age-group
3. Vegetables can be substituted for grains in programs that primarily serve American Indian or Alaska Native children
4. Nuts and seeds may credit for the full meat/meat alternate component
5. Terminology Changes

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The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Seafood

Female hand breading two peices of pink fish

Take the stress out of planning and preparing family meals with seafood! Our partners at Seafood Nutrition Partnership have some quick tips to make sure your seafood meals turn out delicious every time.

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Experiences of Early Child Care and Education Operators During the Pandemic

Female child care provider leaning over a table helping children with craft.

In December 2022, the Indiana University CACFP Project Team released a report describing the child nutrition and care provision experiences among early care and education (ECE) stakeholders, sponsors, and center directors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted in four states and a variety of ECE stakeholders participated. The study identifies six common experiences among ECE stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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CACFP Required Annual Training FY2023

Back to Blog Back to Blog CACFP Required Annual Training FY2023 The CACFP plays a vital role in nutrition equity for children and adults in centers and day care homes by providing access to healthful meals. Sponsors and providers are critical for the continued success of this program. The required annual training in the Child…

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Interactive State Policy Map and Handbook 

Map of the United States indicating Farm to ECE by state

Our partners at the National Farm to School Network (NFSN) have a fantastic resource to help you stay up to date on state-level policies related to child nutrition. Their interactive State Policy Map allows you to see what in your state/territory during the current legislative session for: Expanding Access for All Kids, Farm to School/Early Care and Education (ECE), Values-Aligned Food Procurement and Equitable Producer Support, Scratch Cooking, School Wellness, and Labor.

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Facilitators and Barriers to FCCH Enrollment in CACFP

Female Family Child Care Home provider sits in a circle with young children playing with toy building blocks

In December 2022, the Indiana University CACFP Project Team released a report describing the facilitators and barriers to CACFP participation by family child care homes (FCCHs). The report concludes with suggestions for potential strategies to promote participation in the CACFP by FCCHs. The study was conducted in two states, Arizona and New York, that have varying levels of CACFP participation. The study outlines the facilitators and barriers to FCCHs’ enrollment in CACFP and recommends a few strategies to increase participation.

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