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Cooking with Herbs and Spices

Incorporating herbs and spices into recipes enhances flavor, aroma, and color while reducing the need for excess salt, sugar, and fat. Our partners at the Institute of Child Nutrition define herbs and spices, reviews the health benefits of using fresh or dried herbs and spices, and provides ideas for incorporating them into recipes.

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June Virtual Events

Get a rundown on all things happening in June at NCA. Our Meal Pattern Boot camp is happening this month. Don’t miss out!

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White House Releases Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment

On May 22, 2025, the White House published the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment which provides an overview of the current state of child health in the United States. The Assessment was created in response to an executive order that established the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission. The Assessment will be used to create a Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy which is required to be published by August of this year.

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The Power of the Food Program: Head Start

Acelero Learning Monmouth Middlesex (Acelero) operates eight Head Start centers that serve meals to over 800 children through the CACFP. Food Service Coordinator, Stephanie Manchester, and her team work to ensure that they are providing nutritious meals for all of the children across their eight sites.

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Unplug and Play

Summer is nearly here, and the school year is winding down. The temptation to swap class time for screen time is strong, but it’s not what children need most. That’s why our partners at Read Aloud 15 Minutes have created summer materials designed to spark creativity and encourage physical activity without relying on screens.

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Final Rule: Rescission of Obsolete Data Collection

On May 12, 2025, USDA released a final rule titled Child and Adult Care Food Program: Rescission of Obsolete Data Collection Requirements. The final rule removes section 226.25(g) from the Code of Federal Regulation. This regulation required State agencies to collect and report data related to participating institutions during fiscal years 2006-2009.

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