Posts Tagged ‘meal pattern’
Enhancing Child Nutrition Program Meal Standards
The USDA released a memorandum stating that they support and encourage states and school districts to experiment with meals to provide interesting, healthy, and diverse meals.
Read MoreMeal Pattern Minute: Pureed Vegetables
Can a pureed vegetable that is mixed into a dish credit towards the meal pattern?
Read MoreComing This Summer! CACFP Meal Pattern Boot Camp
Serving reimbursable meals begins with a solid understanding of the CACFP meal pattern. Learn more with our Meal Pattern Boot Camp!
Read MoreMajor Allergens: The Big Nine
May is Food Allergen Awareness Month. More than 170 foods have been reported to cause allergic reactions, according to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), but the vast majority are caused by the “Big Nine”: milk, eggs, nuts, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, wheat, soy and sesame. Our partners at SNA share information on the nine major food allergens.
Read MoreLegumes: Beans, Peas, and Lentils
Did you know a simple bag of beans could be the key to powering up your CACFP menus? Legumes like beans, peas, and lentils are versatile, affordable superfoods. Regularly consuming legumes may help reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Including them as part of your menu can positively impact the health of the children in your care.
Read MoreMay Virtual Events
Get a rundown on all things happening in May at NCA. Annual Training is happening this month. Don’t miss out!
Read MoreVirtual CACFP Summit coming this August!
We’re bringing you workshops on nutrition, program administration, operations, financial and nonprofit management, and more.
Read MoreComing Up: Adult Care Boot Camp
Let’s shine a spotlight on the “A” in CACFP by recognizing the vital role adult care plays in supporting health and nutrition.
Read MoreCulinary Basics: Knife Skills
Ensuring maximum safety in the kitchen is crucial, and following basic knife guidelines is essential for everyone’s well-being. Once knife safety is mastered, this essential skill can lead to an increase in scratch preparation. Our partners at the Institute of Child Nutrition outline the importance of knife safety, skills, maintenance, and storage.
Read MoreQuick Guide to Plant-Based Proteins
Despite the common misconception, you don’t need to rely on meat, dairy, eggs, or other animal products to reach your daily protein goals. Beans, lentils, tofu, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and meat alternatives all contain protein, and these ingredients can often be used in place of chicken, beef, pork, or fish in recipes. Eating a combination of these plant-based ingredients ensures a balanced intake of protein, fiber, and other essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
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