Posts Tagged ‘child nutrition’
NCA FY25 Advocacy Round-Up
CACFP advocacy is central to the mission of National CACFP Association (NCA) and NCA is continuously working to support and advocate for you! This year, we’ve worked to help raise awareness, expand and improve the CACFP. Your NCA membership supports these efforts. THANK YOU!
Read MoreIntroducing Solid Foods to Infants
Infants’ nutritional needs evolve during their first year, and introducing solid foods is crucial in their development. Our partners at ICN provide information to help introduce solid foods smoothly. They cover recommendations for when and how to start, suggest suitable foods, highlight foods to avoid, and provide tips to reduce the risk of choking.
Read MoreQuarterly Policy Update: October 2025
In the last few months, there have been many actions by USDA, HHS, and Congress impacting Child Nutrition Programs. Keep reading to see what you’ve missed and stay up to date with CACFP policy!
Read MoreFY26 Area Eligibility Map Updated
Back to Blog Back to Blog FY26 Area Eligibility Map Updated 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…
Read MoreHead Start Farm to ECE Overview and Resource Guide Â
Our partners at the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN) and Nemours Children’s Health are pleased to share the Head Start Farm to ECE Overview and Resource Guide.
Read MoreSponsor Spotlight: Maria Rincon of EOAC Head Start
Maria Rincon is the Nutrition Manager for the Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation (EOAC). Hear how she and her team ensure nutritious meals to over 500 infants and children through their Head Start centers.
Read MoreUSDA Announces $72.9 Million in Specialty Crop Block Grant Funding
USDA announced $72.9 million in grant funding to states through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The purpose of the SCBGP is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).
Read MoreHHS Invests $61.9 million to Support Nutrition in Head Start
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced over $61 million in funding to over 290 Head Start programs to support nutrition services. Recipients will implement their nutrition initiatives over the next year, but this investment will have a long-term impact on Head Start families.
Read MoreSweet Changes Ahead: Preparing for CACFP’s New Sugar Rules
Beginning October 1, 2025, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) will implement new regulations requiring limits on added sugars in breakfast cereals and yogurts served in child and adult care settings.
Read MoreGluten-Free Diets
The gluten-free diet has generated a lot of attention in recent years, with some praising its benefits. However, for people who cannot eat gluten due to medical reasons, such as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, this diet is not a choice but a necessity. Our Partners at the Institute of Child Nutrition defines gluten and how it affects certain individuals, lists foods containing gluten, identifies gluten-free foods, and reviews how to accommodate children who require a gluten-free diet.
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