Emotional Well-being for Military and Caregiving Families
The pandemic disruption over the last three years has been challenging for all children and caregivers, with added stressors affecting their emotional well-being. This is especially true for military families and caregiving families who experience additional stress. That’s why our partners at Sesame Street in Communities have created 5 new videos highlighting simple strategies for self-care and emotional well-being that families can watch together.
Successful Non-Congregate Meal Service Models for Rural Areas
In approved states beginning summer 2023, Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and NSLP Seamless Summer Option (SSO) sponsors can operate non-congregate programs in rural communities without access to a congregate meal site. Our partners at No Kid Hungry have created a resource that outlines effective models for non-congregate meal service. Use their guide to find strategies and tactics to execute a successful non-congregate summer meals program in your rural community.
Healthy Teams
Healthy teams are made up of all the people who work together to keep children growing healthy and strong, like caregivers, doctors, and teachers. Our partners at Sesame Street in Communities have created new materials that focus on the importance of healthy teams.
Earth Day is Coming Up: How Can You Celebrate?
This year, Earth Day is on April 22nd! Celebrating Earth Day is a fun way to connect participants to their food and the environment, while encouraging them to try new things and get the nutrients their bodies need! There are a variety of ways to increase education and engagement and the Humane Society of the United States has drawn up a list of suggestions for festivities surrounding Earth Day/Week/Month.
Meal-O-Matic
Cooking does not have to be complicated in order to be healthy and delicious. That’s why our partners at Dr. Yum Project have designed meal-o-matic to help you make a few basic recipes with the ingredients you love.
March is National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month! This year, MyPlate’s theme is “Find the Recipe to a Healthier You,” which is an ode to healthy eating at every age. It’s never too early, or too late to eat healthfully!
21-Day Read Aloud Challenge
How often do you read aloud to the children in your care? Reading aloud to young children, particularly in an engaging manner, promotes emerging literacy and language development and supports the relationship between child and parent/caregiver.
Getting Started with Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE)
Are you interested in using more local foods in your program, but don’t know where to start? Have you heard of Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE)? Farm to ECE offers increased access to healthy foods through local procurement, gardening opportunities, and food and agriculture education activities to enhance the quality of educational experiences. Our partners at the National Farm to School Network have great resources to get you going!
Child Nutrition (CN) Labels
Are you confused by child nutrition (CN) labels? Do you know when you need to get one? Which foods may have a CN label, or how to use them? You are not alone. CN labels can be intimidating but also highly useful. Our partners at the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) have some great resources to guide you through the basics of the CN label!
Tofu Preparation Tips
Did you know that tofu is creditable in the CACFP as a meat/meat alternate? Including Tofu is a great way to diversify your menus and adjust for participants with special diets! Our partners at the Humane Society of the United States have great tip sheet to help you get started serving tofu.