Red Beans and Rice

Celebrate Mardi Gras next week by whipping up this classic Creole dish. Rinse 2 cups of red beans thoroughly, and combine in a large pot with 8 cups of water, 1 1/2 cups chopped onion, 1 cup chopped celery and 4 bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Stir and mash beans against the side of the pot. Add 3 tbsp chopped garlic, 1 tbsp parsley, 2 tsp thyme, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, and one cup of chopped red or green bell pepper. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes until creamy. Remove bay leaves. Makes 13 servings. One serving provides 3/4 cup vegetable and 1.5 oz eq meat alternate. Serve over hot, cooked rice. Recipe courtesy of MyPlate.

Grains Ounce Equivalents Tools for CACFP Operators

In honor of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week, on Monday, March 14, 2022, USDA’s Team Nutrition initiative will present a special CACFP Halftime. This webinar will highlight different tools for implementing grains ounce equivalents that CACFP operators can use to plan meals at their sites, and answer frequently asked questions about the topic.

Monday, March 14, 2022

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Eastern (English)

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm Eastern (Spanish)

Register for Webinar (English)

Register for Webinar (Spanish)

Industry Partners Spotlight

For over 25 years, LINQ has empowered the everyday heroes who make K-12 districts and schools stronger. Our best-in-class technology helps school administrators rise to the challenges of today through our suite of administrative, financial, and nutritional solutions.

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CACFP Professionals Spotlight

Natasha Freeman and Christopher T. Rogers believe that their CACFP certifications show their dedication to not only providing quality nutrition, but also their commitment to staying up-to-date with important issues and guidance. If you would like to do the same, apply to be a CACFP Professional today.

National CACFP Week Social Media Challenge

National CACFP week will be celebrated March 13-19, 2022. Take part in this year's social media challenge to be featured on cacfp.org and a chance to win $100. Simply post your #CACFPCreditable snack on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtags #NCASnack and #CACFPWeek, and tag the @NationalCACFP account. The post with the most likes, shares or retweets by March 19 will win $100.

Take the Challenge

Featured Member Resource

Mardi Gras will be celebrated next Tuesday, March 1. If you're an NCA member, you have access to our exclusive activity page with a #CACFPCreditable recipe and fun activities. Become a member today to download, print and share members-only resources for free.

Access Member Resources

Mardi Gras Masks

Use this free activity page to work on fine motor skills by connecting the dots and coloring a mask.

Download the Activity Page

Don't Miss Out on Standard Rates

There is one week left to take advantage of our Standard Registration rates for the 2022 National Child Nutrition Conference. Earn up to 26+ hours of Continuing Education Units with our premier event of the year.

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Buyer's Guide

Get resources from child nutrition and community organizations, find easy-to-order food and supplies, and learn about companies that can provide solutions to your CACFP & SFSP operations.

Buyer's Guide