Posts Tagged ‘Early Care and Education’
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 MoreNearly 21 Million Children Expected to Receive New Grocery Benefit This Summer
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that 35 states, all five U.S. territories, and four tribes plan to be the first to launch the new, permanent summer grocery benefits program for children – known as Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer – in summer 2024.
Read MoreIdentifying Whole Grain-Rich Foods
Whole grains are an essential part of a healthy diet, which is why the CACFP meal pattern requires that at least one serving of grains per day be whole grain-rich (WGR). Our partners at ICN have tips to help you use the food package to determine which foods are WGR and how to avoid the pitfalls of confusing terms and phrases.
Read MoreGetting Started with Meatless Monday
Looking to start incorporating Meatless Monday into your menu? Our partners at the Humane Society of the United States have tips and resources to make it easier to prepare more plant-based meals.
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 MoreCACFP Indicator for State-Level Obesity Prevention
The CACFP is an indicator for state-level obesity prevention. The inclusion of the CACFP as an indicator for obesity-prevention shows that the CACFP is an important, recognized factor for proper development in the earliest stages of life.
Read MoreCelebrating with Creditable Grains
December is a month full of holiday celebrations, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and more. It is also a great time to model healthy habits by showing different ways to celebrate. We traditionally think grain-based desserts like brownies, cakes, and cookies are essential during festivities. However, several healthy grain options can be included as part of a meal or snack.
Read MoreCACFP Important Factor for Obesity Prevention
The University of Colorado College of Nursing published their 2022 Annual Report on Achieving a State of Healthy Weight. The report determines how state regulations support obesity prevention in licensed ECE programs. It also highlights state successes and identifies opportunities for ECE regulations to improve support of obesity prevention in young children.
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 More