Learning Center
Bite-Sized Safety: Preventing Choking Hazards ($)
Children under the age of 4 are at high risk of choking while eating, as they’re still learning to chew properly and often swallow food whole. With their small airways easily blocked, it’s crucial to understand the risks posed by certain foods. Learn which foods to avoid or modify to reduce reducing choking hazards, which creates a safer meal time environment.
Identify common food-related choking hazards and understand the developmental reasons young children are at higher risk of choking.
Learn effective prevention strategies for minimizing choking risks in everyday situations, including proper food preparation and supervision.
5 Resolutions for Food Program Success in 2025
Ring in the New Year with five game-changing resolutions designed to supercharge your program and boost your personal well-being! Discover practical tips to elevate your menus, stay more organized, and build stronger community connections. Plus, get some bonus self-care and stress management techniques to keep you thriving all 2025. Get ready to make this your best year yet!
Read MoreSUN Meals to-go: Rural Non-Congregate Meal Service ($)
Learn best practices and common pitfalls from community members experienced in providing summer meals. Listen to insights, challenges, and strategies to help you succeed in launching or improving your program participation. Bring questions and walk away with practical advice and the information you need to make the most of your summer meal program.
Read MoreThe Efficient Chef: Maximizing Your Kitchen Potential ($)
Discover strategies to optimize your kitchen workflow and unleash your inner chef! Learn effective cooking preparation techniques when using multiple kitchen appliances, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. Get time management skills to streamline your cooking process, reducing stress and increasing output. Expect practical tips and expert insights to help you maximize your kitchen efficiency.
Read MorePlant-Forward Menus: A Guide to Successful Integration ($)
There’s never been a better time to add more plant-based options to your program’s menu! Discover how to identify the health and environmental benefits of eating and serving plant-based foods. Learn how to source, prepare, and successfully market plant-based options. Get free resources to create more plant-forward menus.
Read MoreFlavorful Cooking Using Herbs and Spices ($)
Tired of using the same seasonings for your meals? Enhance your culinary skills and create delicious, nutritious meals using a variety of herbs and spices. Get creative and learn how to develop your own DIY seasoning blends and what food pairs well with certain herbs and spices. Receive new recipe ideas to add to your menu.
Read MoreAdapting Menus for Special Diets ($)
Are you wondering how to navigate food allergies and create safe meals for the children in your care while participating in the CACFP? Learn the differences between various types of special diets and how to prepare these foods to meet CACFP guidelines. Know what a meal modification is, how to serve modified meals, and how to navigate through meal modification scenarios.
Read MoreUsing the Food Buying Guide for Menu Development ($)
Unlock the full potential of the USDA’s Food Buying Guide (FBG) for Child Nutrition Programs. Learn how to access the FBG, create an account, and utilize its tools to plan nutritious, compliant, and cost-effective meals. We’ll guide you through the FBG yield tables, meal components, and selecting the right food items for your recipes. Don’t miss this chance to streamline your meal planning and ensure dietary guidelines are met with ease!
Read MoreProcuring Local Foods for Child Nutrition Programs ($)
From beef and bison in Montana to apples in Michigan and radishes in Rhode Island, local foods are on the menu for children across the country. Local procurement not only supports increasing economic opportunities for local farmers, but also helps child care institutions incorporate wholesome local foods into program meals and encourages children to make healthy food choices. Learn how local foods can meet meal pattern requirements, understand what is required when purchasing local foods, and get the resources you need for procuring them.
Read MoreMenu Planning: Your Guide to Success ($)
Do you love menu planning or are you unsure where to begin? Learn what to consider when developing a cycle menu or planning meals one week at a time. Receive new, easy recipe ideas that are sure to become favorites at your center or in your family child care home! Identify the differences between a cycle menu and weekly menu. Explore the step-by-step process of menu development, from concept ideation to finalization.
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