Policy
NCA Support as Covid-19 Flexibilities Come to an End
NCA understands that the end of flexibilities will cause challenges for many CACFP sponsors and providers and we commend your continued commitment to providing nutritious meals and snacks to the children or adults in your care. In preparation for the end of the additional reimbursement, we have collected the following resources to help you successfully provide meals even if your available budget decreases.
Read MoreBest Practices for Streamlining Applications for Year-Round Program Operations
This memorandum provides best practices for establishing a single application process for experienced program operators providing year-round meal services to at-risk children in low-income areas. This memorandum applies to State administering agencies and local organizations operating both the Summer Food Service and Child and Adult Care Food Programs.
Read MoreInitial Guidance for State Implementation of Summer EBT in 2024
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 authorized a permanent, nationwide Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) Program beginning in 2024. The USDA released a memorandum providing information to assist States and territories in preparing to implement Summer EBT in 2024.
Read MoreUnique Entity Identifier (UEI) Transition
In April 2022 Federal agencies transitioned from use of the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Child Nutrition Program Operators are required to have the UEI to receive payments from State agencies who administer the Child Nutrition programs on behalf of the Federal government. This memorandum provides answers to questions related to the transition.
Read MoreNCA Comments – Proposed Rule Revisions to Meal Patterns
In February 2023, USDA released the proposed rule Child Nutrition Programs: Revisions to Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. After meeting with NCA members and CACFP stakeholders, NCA provided a comment to USDA stating our position on the proposed changes, and additional comment on cost and administrative burden efforts, and created model comments for our members to personalize.
Read MoreHost Your Elected Official in August
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. Invite your elected officials to visit your site in August.
Read MoreQ&A: Summer 2023 Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas
USDA released a memo with a second set of questions and answers on the rural non-congregate summer meals option established through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. The memorandum addresses the following topics: State Agency approval of non-congregate meal service; sponsors, site, and participant eligibility; meal service; monitoring; reporting; and general/miscellaneous guidance.
Read MoreOn-site/Off-site Monitoring Guidance (School Meal Programs)
USDA has released guidance regarding onsite and offsite strategies and options for oversight and monitoring of the school meal programs.
Read MoreOn-site/Off-site Monitoring Guidance (SFSP)
USDA has released guidance regarding on-site and off-site strategies and options for oversight and monitoring of the Summer Food Service Program.
Read MoreOn-site/Off-site Monitoring Guidance (CACFP)
USDA has released guidance on when states have discretion to conduct monitoring off-site and what monitoring procedures are recommended. However, all three monitoring visits must still be conducted on-site.
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