Posts Tagged ‘Early Care and Education’
Quarterly Policy Update: January 2026
In the last three months, multiple updates have been issued by USDA and Congress. In early January, we saw the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as well as the passing of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law. In addition, USDA has approved off-site monitoring waivers for State agencies, released the 2026 SFSP reimbursement rates and rural designation map, and hosted a webinar on serious deficiency in the CACFP. NCA has also developed new resources on CACFP program integrity to support our community. Keep reading to see what you’ve missed and stay up to date with CACFP policy!
Read MoreProgram Integrity in the CACFP: Role of Sponsoring Organizations
Behind every CACFP meal is a system of oversight designed to maintain public trust and protect the people the program serves. Sponsoring organizations ensure compliance, accountability and continued access to nutritious meals while providing ongoing technical assistance. Here are resources that explain how program integrity is upheld in the CACFP.
Read MoreSerious Deficiency in the CACFP
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) posted a webinar recording for CACFP State agencies on the Serious Deficiency Process. The training was meant to equip State agencies with the ability to identify serious deficiencies and maneuver through the serious deficiency process.
Read MoreHere for Each Other
As we just experienced our first snowstorm of the winter, it’s important that we help little ones feel safe and calm at home during severe winter storms. Our partners at Sesame Street in Communities have resources to help families and caregiver comfort and support kids during emergencies and tips to stay safe.
Read MoreSupport a CACFP Week Proclamation in Your State
National CACFP Week will be here before you know it! This year March 15-21 marks this national education campaign designed to raise awareness of the CACFP and its contribution to combating hunger. Ask Your Governor to Proclaim March 15-21, 2026, as National CACFP Week!
Read MoreFueling Young Minds
Every day, you do more than care for children—you help them grow strong and healthy. One of the best ways to support this growth is by serving nutritious meals and snacks. Our partners at ICN explore how healthy eating supports brain development, learning, and lifelong habits.
Read MoreSponsor Spotlight: Maves Ranola with Lutheran Services Florida
Lutheran Services Florida sponsors 24 affiliated Head Start and Early Head Start sites, 396 family day care homes and four emergency shelters. Collectively, these programs serve nutritious meals and snacks to over 6,000 children in their care. Read more about the work of this NCA member.
Read MoreHunger is increasing among those who provide care to young children
The Stanford Center on Early Childhood released a RAPID report that looks at how issues of food insecurity and hunger are affecting adults who provide care for young children. Their key finding: hunger is on the rise among child care providers.
Read MoreSponsor Spotlight: Tammy Rowland-James of Northwest Arkansas Family Child Care Association
NWAFCCA sponsors 47 family child care homes that serve nutritious meals and snacks to over 600 children in Northwest Arkansas. Learn more about the great work of this NCA member!
Read MorePreventing Lead Poisoning
This Mealtime Memo from our partners at ICN defines lead, identifies lead sources, describes the health effects of lead exposure, explains why children are at risk, and shares important information on how to prevent lead poisoning.
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