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Central Texas Food Bank

Most people think food banks only provide food boxes for those in need. However, food banks do so much more and may also sponsor one or more federal nutrition programs, such as the CACFP. While most CACFP sponsoring organizations are only responsible for the administration and oversight of the program at their sponsored sites, food banks often provide the meals for their sponsored sites as well. The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) is a great example.

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Menu 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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Meal Pattern Basics ($)

Centers, family child care homes, and after-school care play a critical role in serving nutritious foods to those they serve. The CACFP guides you on how to provide healthy meals using five meal components which make up the meal service requirements: grains, fruits, vegetables, meats/meat alternates, and milk. Learn when these are required and how they fit into the CACFP meal pattern.

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Best Practices for Budgeting for Meals & Snacks ($)

Every penny counts at child care centers and family child care homes. Discover the secrets to stretching your CACFP budget without compromising on quality. Gain fun, practical tips on planning, purchasing, and preparing nutritious, high-quality meals that kids will love—all while staying within budget. Learn how to make the most of your resources and create delicious, healthy meals that are both budget-friendly and nutritious.

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The Power of the Food Program: Food Banks

Most people think food banks only provide food boxes for those in need. However, food banks do so much more and may also sponsor one or more federal nutrition programs, such as the CACFP. While most CACFP sponsoring organizations are only responsible for the administration and oversight of the program at their sponsored sites, food banks often provide the meals for their sponsored sites as well. The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) is a great example.

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Afterschool Supper Participation Increased but Remains Low 

Afterschool Snack Programs include the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Through NSLP schools can serve one snack afterschool, however through the CACFP schools and sponsoring organizations are able to serve a snack in addition to a supper. This additional supper is an important opportunity to meet children’s nutritional needs after the school day is over. A report by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) found that afterschool supper participation increased from October 2022 to October 2023 by 6%.

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Documenting Processed Products

Back to Blog Back to Blog Documenting Processed Products November 7, 2024 The USDA released a memorandum to provide additional information and clarification on the state agency monitoring process regarding the: 1) Child nutrition (CN) label, 2) Watermarked CN label, and 3) manufacturer’s Product Formulation Statement (PFS). This memorandum also reflects updates to the CN…

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Reducing Salt Intake

Early childhood is a critical time for developing taste preferences. The food eaten by children during this time can influence their eating habits for many years. One challenge is the allure of salty flavors. However, too much sodium or salt intake can pose health risks. This Mealtime Memo from our partners at the Institute of Child Nutrition will demonstrate how to identify sodium in products and provide healthy food alternatives.

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