Posts Tagged ‘usda’
Quarterly 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 MoreFY26 Area Eligibility Map Updated
Back to Blog Back to Blog FY26 Area Eligibility Map Updated September 29, 2025 USDA announced that the CACFP and SFSP Area Eligibility Mapper has been updated for fiscal year 2026. Why It Matters Census data and school data are the two primary sources that may be used to determine whether a site is area…
Read MoreUSDA Announces $72.9 Million in Specialty Crop Block Grant Funding
USDA announced $72.9 million in grant funding to states through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The purpose of the SCBGP is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).
Read MoreNCA Response – USDA Reorganization Plan
In July, USDA announced a Department Reorganization Plan which includes the consolidation of the FNS Regional Offices from seven to five hubs over the next two years. NCA has submitted comments to USDA on the reduction in force at the national office, as well as the relocation and reduction in the number of FNS regions.
Read MoreAdvocate for Sufficient CACFP Reimbursement
USDA published the CACFP reimbursement rates for fiscal year 2025-2026. Although the rates have increased, in most instances, reimbursement still remains too low for providers to sufficiently cover the cost of providing meals.
Read MoreSecretary Rollins Announces USDA Reorganization
Last week, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the department’s reorganization plan. Over the next two years, USDA plans to consolidate the FNS Regional Offices from seven to five hubs.
Read More2025-2026 CACFP Reimbursement Rates
The USDA has released the Reimbursement Rates for 2025-2026. Rates are effective from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Read MoreUSDA and HHS Notice: CNPs and Head Start as Federal Public Benefit
USDA and HHS each released a notice stating that many programs under the jurisdiction of both departments are now interpreted as “Federal Public Benefits,” including all CNPs and Head Start. The notices aim to address whether citizenship or qualified immigration status must be verified in order for a child to participate in these federal programs.
Read MoreSecond Study of Nutrition and Activity in CACFP
USDA released their second report on the Study of Nutrition and Activity in Child Care Settings (SNACS-II), which follow their first in 2022. SNACS-II uses data from program year 2022-23 to assess how well children’s diets and CACFP meals align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Read MoreUSDA Rescinds Guidance on Interpretation of Discrimination Based on Sex
The USDA released a memorandum rescinding 2022 guidance regarding the interpretation of discrimination based on “sex.” The 2022 guidance redefined the definition of “sex” to include gender identity and sexual orientation. Therefore, the rescission of this guidance will revert USDA’s definition back to its previous interpretation and omit mention of gender identity and sexual orientation.
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