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May 2017 eNews
USDA Issues Memo on Transition Period for New Meal Patterns Summary The new meal patterns strengthen the nutrition providers can offer by addressing the dietary needs of all individuals as well as serving increasingly diverse and culturally appropriate foods. USDA FNS understands that major transitions can be difficult for everyone involved and have shown a fierce commitment to providing ample time to train everyone on proper implementation of the new regulations. We appreciate the attentiveness FNS has shown to State Agencies, sponsoring organizations, and providers in acknowledging the difficulties some may have in implementation of the new meal patterns. To counter the difficulties anyone may have, technical assistance must be offered during the first year of meal pattern implementation instead of punitive action. Meals cannot be disallowed as long as providers are acting in good faith. However, as currently required, fiscal action will be taken if a meal is missing one or more required food components. Technical assistance is also urged during the transition period for recordkeeping. State Agencies are reminded not to increase the burden of recordkeeping for providers to the fullest extent possible. Ultimately, we hope to work together during this transition to serve as many children in our program the most nutritious meals possible.Why It Matters As program operators, our primary goal has always been the health of our nation's children. The passage of the revised meal patterns for the CACFP arm providers with the very best nutrition science and consequently, the best for the children we serve. Change can be difficult, but with the opportunity to correct human error as we transition, lighten the burdensome trend of increased paperwork, and provide technical assistance where needed, we will become a stronger program and community. Read Full USDA Memorandum |
Featuring New Meal Patterns 2018 Nutrition Calendar & Record Keeping System Featuring the new CACFP meal patterns, each month of our 2018 Nutrition Calendar will highlight one of the newly implemented rules in addition to relevant recipes, snacks, activities, nutrition education, and CACFP Best Practices. Less than $4 each! Includes New Meal Pattern Training Module and Monthly Parent Newsletters. We print to order and sales close June 15, 2017 with delivery by August 31. |
USDA Team Nutrition's New Meal Pattern Worksheets
These colorful and engaging materials can be used to empower Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) providers and operators with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to implement the updated CACFP meal pattern requirements that are effective starting October 1, 2017. These tools are designed for use by State agencies, Sponsoring Organizations, and others to train providers, operators, menu planners, and other staff in meeting CACFP nutrition standards that include a greater variety of vegetables, more whole grains, and less added sugars and saturated fat. Printed materials available soon, available for schools, CACFP providers, and summer meal programs participating in one of USDA's Child Nutrition programs. All are welcome to download these materials and make copies. |
2017-2018 Income Eligibility Rates
This notice announces the USDA's annual adjustments to the Income Eligibility Guidelines for the period from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. The annual adjustments are required by section 9 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. The guidelines are intended to direct benefits to those children most in need and are revised annually to account for changes in the Consumer Price Index. |
Summer CACFP Activities NCA has created activity newsletters for you to share with your child care providers and centers for both their use and for them to share with families -- connecting CACFP to quality child care. To distribute, simply click on the newsletter, save the file to your desktop and email them directly to your providers or print and deliver them at your next visit. |
MEMBER SHOWCASE Colorado & Maryland CACFP Providers Featured We love stories about CACFP Providers. We think you'll like these three too! Meet the Alexanders: "We bring everyone into this home out of love. We not only nurture the children, but also try to nurture the parents and the family. If we do that, we help to create a well-rounded child." Darlene Abraham: "When introducing a new food, try not to go too far from what they know and like. Find something similar that will help to broaden their palate." Cindy & Mickey: "Every group of kids is different. We have to find what works for them and us to make everyone comfortable and able to learn." Read More |
2017 NATIONAL CONFERENCE CACFP Convenes in San Diego Almost 1,300 members of the child nutrition community networked, attended workshops, visited exhibitors, and received new meal pattern training in San Diego last month. Be sure to join us in San Antonio April 19-21, 2018. The board of directors of the National CACFP Sponsors Association would like to express its deepest appreciation to all of those individuals and organizations that made the conference an outstanding collaboration and success! Read Conference Program |
CACFP Job Board Do you have a job opportunity in your child nutrition program you would like to share with the CACFP Community? Please contact us and we'll get a short summary and link to your application posted on our website. Email Job Posting Looking for a position? Check our website! Be sure to get a competitive advantage and get your CACFP Professional Certification! Learn More |
Trending on Facebook Join the #NationalCACFP community on facebook for crafts, snacks and other clever ideas shared daily. Get a dose of what's in the news, policy changes, and CACFP specific issues. Resources, printables, and more! Check It Out Please Forward Share our CACFP Connections with your colleagues and friends so they can get our eNews delivered directly to their inbox! Subscribe Here Find A Sponsor Looking to join the food program? Find a Sponsor and receive reimbursement for serving healthy foods! Find A Sponsor |
