November 2024
Menu Planning in the CACFP Boot Camp
November 20 & 21 | 11:00 am - 4:30 pm Eastern
Get ready to become a menu planning expert with our Menu Planning Boot Camp! In just two days of training, you'll learn to understand CACFP menu requirements, how to select budget-friendly and accessible foods, and gain valuable insights from kitchen professionals. Discover tips and techniques to unlock your inner chef and elevate your meal planning skills. Provide nutritious and delicious meals for those in your care with newfound confidence and expertise.
Earn up to 12 CEUs for attending this webinar.
December 2024
Deep Dive: Understanding NCA Policy Priorities
Tuesday, December 3 |2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern
Join the NCA policy team and hear an outline of our updated policy priorities and how we plan to address them over the next year. Hear about the significance of each priority and why they are important to our CACFP community. Leave with a better understanding of how NCA is advocating for you and how you can join the effort!
- Gain a deeper understanding of the policies NCA is advocating for.
- Learn how these priorities could impact the CACFP.
- Learn how you can play a role this next year.
Presented by:
Alexia Thex, MEd, National CACFP Association
McKenzie Brunner, MGPS, National CACFP Association
Earn 1.0 CEU for attending this webinar.
This event is for NCA members only. Not a member? Join today.Â
Summer Meals Summit
Thursday, December 5 | 11:00 am - 3:15 pm Eastern
Discover how your organization can advance access to healthy meals for communities when school is out of session by participating in USDA summer meal programs. Through SUN Meals, not only can children ages 0-18 enjoy free meals and snacks at schools, parks, and local sites all summer long but there are now opportunities to serve those in rural areas with non-congregate feeding solutions. Hear from community members on the ground about their experience and get their advice on how to start or improve your experience as a sponsoring organization or service site. Learn the basics of the program and get resources to transform summer nutrition in your neighborhood and help ensure no child goes hungry when school is out.
Earn up to 4.5 CEUs for attending this webinar.
This event is free for NCA members. Not a member? Join today.Â
5 Resolutions for Food Program Success in 2025
December 17 | 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
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!
Presented by Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD; National CACFP Association
Earn 0.5 CEUs for attending this webinar.
January 2025
Bite-Sized Safety: Preventing Choking Hazards
Thursday, January 16 | 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Eastern
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.
- 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.
Presented by Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD; National CACFP Association
Earn 0.5 CEUs for attending this webinar.
This event is free for NCA members and $12 for non-members.
Not a member? Join today!
Ask A Nutritionist: Creditable or Not?
Thursday, January 23 | 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Eastern
Determining which foods are creditable in the CACFP can sometimes feel like a guessing game. Isabel Ramos-Lebron, our Nutrition Education Specialist, can walk you through the ins and outs of the CACFP meal pattern. Bring your questions about what is and isn't creditable, and learn the reasoning behind each guideline to help you confidently serve meals that meet CACFP standards.
- Understand the key principles of the CACFP meal pattern and identify creditable foods across different meal components.
- Apply this knowledge about creditable foods during menu development or food procurement.
Presented by
Lisa Mack, National CACFP Association
Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD; National CACFP Association
This event is free for NCA members and $12 for non-members.
Not a member? Join today!
Around the World: Cultural Food Resources
Thursday, January 30 | 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Eastern
Explore ways to bring diverse flavors to your CACFP menus. A variety of resources are available to help you incorporate culturally relevant foods into your meal planning, allowing you to create menus that reflect and celebrate the communities you serve. Join us as we discuss the value of offering culturally inclusive meals and learn practical strategies for adapting menus to accommodate diverse tastes and traditions.
- Discover resources for incorporating culturally relevant foods into CACFP menus, enhancing meal appeal and nutritional value.
- Understand the importance of culturally inclusive meal planning and learn how to adapt menus to better serve diverse communities.
Presented by Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD; National CACFP Association
Earn 0.5 CEUs for attending this webinar.
February 2025
State Agency Collaboration
Tuesday, February 4 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern
Learn about the newest NCA resources, hear about what's happening in CACFP policy, get advocacy updates, and provide feedback about how we can support you (and your operators) in your work with USDA child nutrition programs.
** Invitations for this event will be sent out to State Agency Directors and State Agency NCA Members who work in the CACFP **
Email policy@cacfp.org for more information.
Soup's On! A Warm Dive into Comfort Bowls
Thursday, February 6 | 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Eastern
Join us for a cozy, flavorful journey into the world of soups! We’ll explore the secrets to crafting delicious and nutritious #CACFPCreditable soups that are perfect for any season. Learn tips and techniques to create soups that are both kid-friendly and packed with nutrients. Whether you're new to soup-making or looking to expand your recipe repertoire, you will leave inspired and ready to serve up bowls full of goodness.
- Understand the meal pattern requirements for #CACFPCreditable soups.
- Gain practical tips and techniques for crafting delicious, kid-friendly soups.
Presented by Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD; National CACFP Association
Earn 0.5 CEUs for attending this webinar.
CACFP RD Meetup
Tuesday, February 11 | 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Eastern
Registered Dietitians who work in the CACFP are unique and may often work alone or in a silo at their organization. Let's meet-up!
Share with fellow RDNs and NDTRs how the new regulation regarding how dietitians may begin writing medical statement has impacted you in your state, and explore any other topics on your mind. Bring your expertise, your questions, and your passion for improving child nutrition, and connect with colleagues who are making a difference in CACFP programs nationwide.
**This session is exclusively for Registered Dietitians working in the CACFP. Registrants must enter their CDR registration ID # to gain access to this meeting.
Moderated by Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD; National CACFP Association
Licensing State Agency Meeting
Friday, February 21 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern
Licensing State agency professionals are key partners in supporting the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Meet with NCA's policy team to learn how NCA can support your work. Together, we can raise awareness of the benefits of CACFP.
** Invitations for this event will be sent out to Licensing State Agency Directors**Â
Email policy@cacfp.org for more information.
June 2025
Cooking Up Curiosity: Engaging Young Children with STEAM in the Kitchen
Thursday, June 26 | 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Eastern
Ignite a passion for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) in your young chefs through the exciting world of cooking! Learn creative and practical ideas to integrate STEAM concepts into everyday kitchen activities. Kids will have a blast measuring ingredients, understanding food science, using kitchen tools, and expressing their artistic flair through food presentation in age-appropriate ways. Perfect for CACFP providers and educators, this training will help nurture curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in children, all while enjoying the delicious results of their culinary creations.
This exciting, 30-minute training is offered free-of-charge with the 2025 Nutrition Calendar & Training Program. The promo code to register for free can be found inside the cover of your 2025 Calendar: Curiosity and the Cat.
Do you have a brilliant idea that you'd love to see presented at a webinar or the National Conference? We want to hear it!
Click here to submit your proposal. Our Events Team will review your submission and be in touch with additional questions or more information.