Pumpkin and Bean Soup

October 26 is National Pumpkin Day, which makes this recipe from MyPlate a great addition to a cozy autumn day.

Blend 1 (15 oz) can of white beans, 1 1/2 cups chopped onion and 1 cup of water until smooth. In a large pot, add 1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin, 1 1/2 cups of apple juice, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir, then add the blended bean mix to the pot and cook on low for 15-20 minutes. Makes six one-cup servings, providing 1/2 cup vegetable and 3/4 oz equivalent meat alternate.

Take Action Now for CNR

Join NCA in urging Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) to quickly negotiate a bipartisan Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR) bill that includes reimbursement for an additional meal or snack in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). All organizations, family child care homes and child care centers included, can take action now by adding their names at the link below by Monday, October 31.

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Have You Renewed Your NCA Membership Yet?

Our membership period runs from October 1 through September 30, so the earlier you sign up, the longer you get to enjoy your benefits. Get access to exclusive training materials and activity pages, the CACFP Nutrition Calendar and Training Program, member materials for CACFP Week and more. You'll even get a $100 discount to the National Child Nutrition Conference - that's more than the cost of a $75 NCA membership!

Renew Your Membership or Join Today

Reducing the Risk of Choking

It's always important to be aware of choking hazards during mealtimes. Check out this worksheet from USDA Team Nutrition for a refresher on how to safely serve foods to your younger participants.

Download the Worksheet in English and Spanish

Racial Justice Resources with Sesame Street in Communities

All kids need a strong individual and group identity, but racism hurts the healthy development of both. Providers can begin building racial literacy in their little ones by engaging openly and honestly in these conversations. Join Sesame Street in Communities to explore resources that celebrate race, stand tall and address racism!

Wednesday, November 16

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern

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Industry Partner Spotlight

Peterson Farms is a marketing leader of frozen fruits in the United States, marketing over 150 million finished pounds of frozen fruits and 7 million gallons of single strength apple juice/cider and juice concentrates. Peterson Farms Fresh, Inc. was established in 2004 as a state of the art fresh-cut fruit processing company. Today, they are one of the leading processors of fresh-cut apples in the United States. Brands under the Peterson Farms Family of Companies include: Peterson Farms, Peterson Farms Fresh, Antioxidant Solutions & Lakewood Juices.

Learn More About Peterson Farms Family of Companies

CACFP Professionals Spotlight

Jamesha Russell and Susan Sopp earned their CCNP designations so they can stay updated on the latest news and practices within the CACFP. Becoming a CACFP Professional can benefit you in so many ways - will you join Jamesha and Susan?

Want to Know More About Earning Your CMP or CCNP?

Join us on Zoom for an overview of the program, learn what the qualifications are, and hear how it has impacted CACFP professionals who value these credentials.

Tuesday, November 1

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Eastern

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Featured Member Resource

Halloween is right around the corner! Our Halloween activity page has tons of activities and a delicious #CACFPCreditable recipe. If you're an NCA member, you can download, print and share this resource for free. Not a member? Learn more.

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Patch Up the Pumpkin

Have participants work on their fine motor skills by tracing and coloring in this Jack O'Lantern for some Halloween fun.

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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