Roasted Pumpkin Seed Snack Mix

In each baggie, start with a base of 1/2 ounce equivalent of crispy rice or wheat cereal squares and 1/2 ounce roasted whole pumpkin seeds - if you want to upcycle leftover seeds from carving your own Jack O'Lanterns, try roasting the removed seeds by placing them on a baking sheet at 400°F until lightly brown.

Finish off your mix with your favorite add-ins. MyPlate suggests slivered almonds, dried cranberries and raisins. Just be aware of any choking hazards or allergens!

Crediting Handbook for Meats/Meat Alternates

The Halloween snack mix is #CACFPCreditable because nuts and seeds can be used for the full meat/meat alternate component in snacks, but remember that they can only be credited for half of the meat/meat alternate component in CACFP meals. Check out the Crediting Handbook's section on Meats/Meat Alternates to refresh your knowledge, and find the full Crediting Handbook on our website.

Download Guidance

Creditable Meals in the CACFP: Be in the Know

For a deeper dive into the Crediting Handbook for the CACFP, as well as the Food Buying Guide, head over to our Learning Center. Get the tools you need to credit, purchase and serve meals to program participants with this free webinar from USDA's Food and Nutrition Service Staff.

Visit the Learning Center

Vitamin ABCs

Do you know which vitamins keep bones strong and which ones are good for the brain? Help kids and adults alike learn about how the foods they eat help their bodies stay healthy with our Vitamin ABCs worksheet and vitamin log.

Download the Worksheet

CACFP Professionals Spotlight

We're confident that you'll love your CCMP or CMP certification! Be proud of the knowledge that you've gained as a CACFP Professional like Patricia Newton-Powell and Jennifer Nutt.

Are you looking to showcase your knowledge and experience as a child nutrition professional?

Be Like Patricia and Jennifer: Get Your Professional Certification Today

Farm to School Grants

The 2022 Request for Applications is now open. Non-profit organizations and Institutions operating the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) at non-school based sites may apply for Farm to School Grant funding. 

Learn More

Featured Member Resource

Be prepared for the holiday season this year with our selection of members-only holiday activity sheets. Become an NCA member to download, print and share our Halloween page for free.

Access Member Resources

Buyer's Guide

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

Buyer's Guide

Jack O'Lantern Dot-to-Dot

Download this free activity page for the children or adults in your care to use this week.

Download Activity Page