Posts Tagged ‘meal pattern’
Healthy Sips: Understanding Juice in the CACFP
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends water and milk as the best drink choices for young children. While 100% juice can be part of a healthy diet, it should be limited and served wisely. Our partners at ICN review the CACFP juice requirements and highlights what counts as juice, when and how to serve it, and why limiting juice helps support children’s health.
Read MoreMeal Pattern Minute: Chestnuts
How do chestnuts fit into the CACFP meal pattern?
Read MoreSponsors: Why Should a Provider Choose You?Â
Back to Blog Back to Blog Sponsors: Why Should a Provider Choose You? October 21, 2026 As a sponsor, you provide training, technical assistance and ongoing support that help providers succeed. The guidance your team provides, along with the help managing paperwork and claims, allows them to focus on the children and adults in their…
Read MoreQuarterly Policy Update: October 2026
Over the past few months, USDA has released new policies, HHS as proposed changes to Head Start, and Congress has introduced new legislation. Keep reading to see what you’ve missed and stay up to date with CACFP policy!
Read MoreMeal Pattern Minute: Flavoring Milk
Can you add syrups to unflavored cow’s milk and have it be creditable?
Read MoreSafe 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 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 MoreNCA Response – Expanding Fluid Milk Options in CNPs
After conducting a listening session with our community, NCA responded to USDA’s Final Rule: Expanding Fluid Milk Options in CNPs.
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 MoreFinal Rule: Expanding Fluid Milk Options in CNPs
USDA released a final rule that allows whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk to be offered to participants ages two and up in the CACFP, National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Special Milk Program (SMP).
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