CACFP Saturday Summit

Menus require planning and forecasting as well as recipe and menu development. Create safe menus while facing pandemic shortages by seeing how popular foods can be versatile and support your program.

Learn how to implement a Garden to Early Childhood program model in your curriculum. Hear about suggested best practices, fundamentals of teaching gardening to young children, planning year-round gardening activities, and incorporating a garden-to-table element for a healthy and fresh food program.

Americans of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds are disproportionately affected by many chronic diseases, highlighting the need for more inclusive dietary messaging. Explore cultural models of healthy eating from around the world, with practical tips, insight, and recipes for diverse populations, with a special focus on Gen Z, and a cooking demonstration.

CACFP portioning can be confusing on paper, and in practice many more questions come up. See correct portion sizes illustrated and get answers to common real-world portioning and service questions. Get tips for the kitchen and find out what tools help compliance and reduce food waste.

Learn about the vital role of nutrition and brain development. Understand specific nutrients essential for brain development and approaches to ensure adequate intake. Examine how hunger impacts physical growth and academic performance as well as the importance of embedding evidenced-based nutrition education as a strategy to improve nutritional status.