Posts Tagged ‘Early Care and Education’
Milk 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.
Read MoreSponsor Spotlight: Adela Trujillo with CAASNM
Adela Trujillo is the CACFP Director for Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico (CAASNM), a CACFP sponsor of over 460 family child care homes, 80 child care centers and 2 At-Risk afterschool sites that serve nutritious meals to 11,000 children. Learn more about Adela!
Read MoreUniversal Meals Legislation Re-Introduced
The Universal School Meals Program Act has been reintroduced in Congress, which includes significant provisions to update the CACFP and SFSP.
Read MoreSponsor Spotlight: Kelly Rodriguez with 4-C Community Coordinated Child Care
Kelly Rodriguez is the CACFP Director at 4-C Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C). 4-C works as a child care hub for providers and families in Northwest Illinois. 4-C also serves as a CACFP sponsoring organization, serving 108 family child care home providers and reaching 1070 children across 15 counties.
Read More