Posts Tagged ‘Early Care and Education’
Safe Meals for Field Trips
July is National Picnic Month, a great time to take children outside to explore parks, nature, or community events. But just like any mealtime at your program, food safety is important when you are away from the center. Our partners at ICN show how to pack, store, and serve meals safely for field trips while meeting the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements.
Read MoreQuarterly Policy Update: July 2026
Over the past few months, USDA recently released both a final rule and guidance on the expansion of fluid milk options in child nutrition programs, guidance on non-congregate SFSP program integrity, and announced information collection for the CACFP National Disqualified List. Keep reading to see what you’ve missed and stay up to date with CACFP policy!
Read MoreSponsor Spotlight: Keala Menza with PATCH Hawai’i
Keala Menza is the Food Program Manager at PATCH Hawai’i, a child care resource and referral (CCR&R) agency that operates as the only CACFP sponsor in Hawai’i. Read more about their work.
Read MoreMilk Fat in Early Childhood
USDA published a final rule that allows CACFP operators to offer whole or reduced-fat milk to participants ages two and up. Here’s what the research says about milk fat in early childhood.
Read MoreSponsor Spotlight: Joanne Varnes with Catholic Charities – Diocese of Wilmington
Joanne Varnes is the Program Manager at Catholic Charities – Diocese of Wilmington. Learn more about their work as a CACFP sponsor in Delaware.
Read MoreStoring Fruits and Veggies Safely
When you handle and store fruits and vegetables correctly, they stay fresh and safe for the children in your care. Our partners at ICN have tips for cleaning and storing produce to help prevent waste and keep food safe.
Read MoreSponsor Spotlight: Paula Barton and Amy Warby of Alliance For Children
Paula Barton is the Executive Director and Amy Warby is the Associate Director of Alliance For Children, a sponsor of homes and child care centers across Utah.
Read MoreFun and Play Tips
Brain building can happen anytime and anywhere, including during Mealtime. Mealtime is a perfect opportunity to engage children in simple brain building activities like discovering textures, practicing fine motor skills, and creating memories. Our partners at Vroom have dozens of tips and ideas to help you make mealtime more fun and playful.
Read MoreExpanding Fluid Milk Options in CNPs
USDA released guidance on the implementation of the Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs Final Rule. As of June 8, 2026, all CACFP operators have the flexibility to serve whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free milk to all participants ages two and up in their programs.
Read MoreState Policies Shaping the Future of CACFP
States are uniquely positioned to step up where CACFP federal funding falls short and address the needs of their communities. Multiple states have already taken up this mantle and pushed forward policies to better support providers and sponsors of the CACFP in successfully operating the program.
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