Policy
Interim Final Rule: SFSP Rural Non-Congregate Option
USDA recently released a rule that allows non-congregate meal service to be used in the SFSP to help provide children in rural areas with equitable access to nutritious food.
Read MoreImplementation Guidance for the Rural Non-congregate Option
USDA released a memo that highlights key information on the new regulatory requirements for non-congregate summer meal service in rural areas.
Read MoreFive Ways to Advocate in the New Year
Do you have New Years Resolutions to be more active in your community, improve your program, or make your voice heard? Read about five ideas to help you meet your goals.
Read MoreCrediting Tofu and Soy Yogurt Products
USDA released guidance that extends the option of serving commercially prepared tofu and soy yogurt as meat alternates to infants 6-11 months participating in the CACFP. The memo also extends the ability to serve tofu and soy yogurt as meat alternates in SFSP.
Read MoreProcuring Local Meat, Poultry, Seafood, Game, and Eggs
This memo clarifies the regulatory requirements related to food safety and answers specific questions related to local meat, poultry, seafood, game, and eggs.
Read MoreSenate Partner Bill: Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act
The Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act was introduced in the Senate by Senator Casey to permanently:
• Increase reimbursement rates by 10 cent for each meal and snack
• Eliminate the tiering of family day care homes
• Allow family day care home providers to claim their own children’s meals for reimbursement
• Shift the calculation of family child care homes’ reimbursement from “food at home” to “food away from home” to align with centers
Off-Site Monitoring Waiver: Oregon Case Study
USDA has the authority to waive on-site monitoring requirements for the CACFP. State Agencies can submit a 12(l) waiver application to USDA in order to allow for off-site monitoring flexibilities in their state. Oregon was the first state to submit an application and the first state to be approved! Read about their approved waiver.
Read MoreThe CACFP Strengthens the Child Care Infrastructure
The CACFP serves millions of children and adults in care and supports thousands of child and adult care providers nationwide. The support from the CACFP helps struggling providers to keep costs low and increase the competitiveness of their small businesses.
Read MoreCrediting Traditional Indigenous Foods in Child Nutrition Programs
This memorandum provides guidance to Indigenous communities on incorporating traditional Indigenous foods that meet CNP meal pattern requirements and includes an updated and expanded list of traditional Indigenous foods that credit the same as similar foods currently listed in the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs (FBG).
Read MoreEarly Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act of 2023Â
On October 26, 2023 the Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act was re-introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Congressman Marc Molinaro (R-NY). This legislation would allow providers who are open for more than 8 hours to be reimbursed for an additional meal.
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