Posts Tagged ‘Policy’
FY26 Advocacy Year in Review
Over the past year, NCA has worked alongside advocates across the country to elevate the voices of CACFP operators, influence federal policy, engage in regulatory processes, and raise awareness of the program’s impact. From Capitol Hill to federal agencies, these efforts have helped ensure decision-makers understand both the opportunities and challenges facing the CACFP community.
Read MoreSupporting Healthy Nutrition in Early Education & Care Settings
A new report from Children’s HealthWatch examines how child care providers are navigating the growing challenge of serving nutritious meals to young children amid rising food costs, staffing shortages, and complex program 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 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 MoreQuarterly Policy Update: April 2026
Over the past three months, USDA has released new guidance, income eligibility guidelines, an updated crediting handbook, and announced Farm to School Grantees. Read on to see what you’ve missed.
Read MoreCACFP Early Intervention for Obesity Prevention Among U.S. Children
The CACFP is one of the earliest points of intervention for obesity prevention for young children. The high-quality nutrition provided by the CACFP has been proven to improve diet-quality and reduce the risk of obesity.
Read MoreQuarterly 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 MoreQuarterly Policy Update: October 2025
In the last few months, there have been many actions by USDA, HHS, and Congress impacting Child Nutrition Programs. Keep reading to see what you’ve missed and stay up to date with CACFP policy!
Read MoreQuarterly Policy Update: July 2025
In the last few months, the new USDA administration has begun to make changes that include deregulation and rescission of guidance, as well as a reorganization of USDA structure. USDA has also released reimbursement rates and the second iteration of their Study of Nutrition and Activity in CACFP. During this time, the Office of the President has released it’s Make America Healthy Again Assessment and proposed budget for FY26, both of which could have effects on child nutrition programs.
Read MoreCACFP: A Critical Support for Child Care
The CACFP has many benefits – it supports child care providers and ensures that children and adults in care receive nutritious meals. The CACFP is also critical in supporting child care businesses by decreasing costs that can be reallocated towards program improvement, staff wages, or lower tuition rates.
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