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Host Your Elected Official in August

May 17, 2023

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Invite your elected official to visit your program, NOW is the perfect opportunity! 

During the entire month of August, every congressional representative will be back in their home state. Don’t miss this opportunity to advocate for CACFP! Showcasing your program is one of the most impactful ways to advocate for the CACFP. Most elected officials have never heard of the CACFP before, and therefore don’t support bills or initiatives that would improve the CACFP. 

Giving your elected official the opportunity to experience the CACFP firsthand will not only make them familiar with the program, but also allow them to interact with those who benefit the most from the CACFP – the kiddos and/or adults in your care! Invite your elected officials to visit your site to interact with and serve meal/snack to the children or adults in your care.  

Step 1: Find Your Elected Official 

Decide which elected official you want to invite. Given the great timing, we recommend inviting a federal representative. In particular, your district representative in the House of Representatives. These officials are specific to a smaller area than Senators, who represent the entire state. House Representatives are also more likely to have an office located near you. 

Find Your Elected Officials

Step 2: Decide When and Where to Invite Them 

Where:  

  • Provider: your child care center/home 
  • Sponsor: a site located in a convenient location to your official’s district office 

When: 

  • August – don’t give a specific date, give multiple options 
  • Choose a day of the week when you typically have high participation 
  • Choose a time of day when a meal or snack is being served 

 

Step 3: Contact Your Elected Official 

Option 1: Call their office located closest to you (most effective) 

  • You can find their office locations on their website 
  • Call the number to the corresponding office 
  • Tell them that you would like to invite your elected official to visit your child care program in August and ask for their availability 
  • They may ask you to send an email to their office with the details instead 

Option 2: Send an email to your elected official using the form below

 

For tips on how to successfully host your elected official, read our supplemental resource , watch a recording of our webinar on How to Host Elected Officials, or send questions to policy@cacfp.org.  Â