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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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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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Adding Plant-Based Products to Your Menu

Plant-based products for K12 schools

As plant-based products are becoming more popular among school-aged children, consider how you can incorporate them into your menu. Did you know that serving plant-based products can actually save you money while allowing you to provide a greater variety of food to those in your care? Our partners at the Humane Society of the United States have amazing resources to help you add more plant-based options to your menu!

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Healthy and Fresh at Home Cookbook

Front cover of Healthy and Fresh at Home Cookbook by Partnership for a Healthier America

Start the New Year with healthy and nutritious meals for you and your family! Check out the Healthy and Fresh at Home Cookbook from our partners at Partnership for a Healthier America. The cookbook includes a variety of delicious and nutritious recipes that are perfect for anyone looking to live a healthier lifestyle.

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Safe Feeding Practices to Prevent Choking 

A small blond girl coughing with her mouth open while her father pats her on the back to dislodge any food that may have gone down her throat.

Choking while eating can happen quickly and be very scary. Children 0-4years old are at the greatest risk of choking because they may not chew food properly. Want to make eating safer for young children in your care? Our partners at the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) have some great resources on how to decrease choking risks.  

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Healthy Day Toolkit

Circular diagram with all of the activities you need for a healthy day

With the start of the new year, many of us are looking to build healthier habits. Our partners at Alliance for a Healthier Generation want to encourage families to create a healthier home life. If you want to help families feel well, live well, and learn well, check out the Healthy Day Toolkit from Alliance for a Healthier Generation!

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Nutrition Education for Kindergarten

Colorful Discover MyPlate logo with vegetavle characters standing on top of letters.

Kindergarten is a critical time for development and learning for children. Our partners at MyPlate have free print materials to help kindergarteners learn how to make healthy food choices and develop physical activity lifestyles.

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