February 2025
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.
March 2025
Potato Palooza: Potatoes in CACFP Meals
Thursday, March 6 | 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Eastern
Get ready to "spud-tacularly" shake up your CACFP menu! We’re celebrating the mighty potato and exploring fun, creative ways to incorporate this versatile veggie into your meals. From mashed to baked to shredded, learn how to turn the humble potato into a nutritious, kid-friendly crowd-pleaser. Say goodbye to the same old sides and hello to potato possibilities that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Discover a variety of potato-based recipes that are #CACFPCreditable, nutritious, and appealing to young eaters.
- Learn creative preparation methods to keep potato dishes exciting, flavorful, and versatile for any menu rotation.
Earn 0.5 CEU for attending this Zoom webinar.
Presented by: 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!
CN Labels & PFS Made Simple
Thursday, March 13 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern
Understanding CN Labels and Product Formulation Statements (PFS) is essential for confidently meeting CACFP meal pattern requirements. We'll equip you with practical tools to determine when and how to request documentation and sharpen your detective skills to identify discrepancies, ensuring everything is compliant and running smoothly. And there’s even more! Explore real-world examples of CN Labels and PFS that will help the information stick. You'll also learn how to navigate crediting documentation confidently and sidestep those common pitfalls. Get ready to boost your skills and have some fun while doing it! Objectives:
1. Recognize the key components of CN Labels and Product Formulation Statements (PFS).
2. Identify common errors in crediting documentation and understand USDA guidelines for accepting accurate and reliable documentation.
3. Analyze CN Labels and PFS examples to ensure understanding of compliance within CACFP meal pattern requirements.
Presented by: Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, National CACFP Association
This event is free for NCA members and $19 for non-members (standard registration).
Not a member? Join today!
Good News! The Importance of Sharing Your CACFP Story
Tuesday, March 18 | 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Eastern
Together we can raise awareness of the CACFP works to combat hunger. Hear stories about what the CACFP community is doing to share its message and learn how to use social media strategies, local and state proclamations, local news stories and more to help raise awareness about the CACFP.
Earn 0.5 CEU for attending this Zoom webinar.
Presented by:
Alexia Thex, MEd, National CACFP Association
McKenzie Brunner, MGPS, National CACFP Association
The Hidden Gem of CACFP Success
Thursday, March 27 | 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Eastern
Are you ready to help your CACFP program bloom? Prepare for excitement as we reveal the hidden gem of CACFP excellence.
Get inspired on how to implement the #1 CACFP resource – NCA's Nutrition Calendar & Training Program. Explore CACFP best practices, nutrition information, table crafts, physical activities, business tips, provider training modules, parent provider connection letters, child care curriculum, record keeping, and more!
Join us as we unveil our 2026 edition, How Does Your Garden Grow, and learn how you can plant the seed for CACFP success.
Presented by: Jennifer Basey, MEd, National CACFP Association
Learn more about the CACFP Training Program & Nutrition Calendar today!
April 2025
Supporting Autism in Early Childhood Settings
Thursday, April 3 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern
Get equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in early childhood settings. Through a combination of evidence-based strategies and practical tools, participants will gain valuable insights into addressing the unique communication, sensory, and behavioral needs of children on the autism spectrum. Additionally, participants will learn how to use a step-by-step collaboration plan to effectively communicate with a child's care team. Confidently create inclusive environments where children with autism can thrive.
Earn 1.0 CEU for attending this Zoom webinar.
Presented by: Anna Barthen, Shine Early Learning
This event is free for NCA members and $19 for non-members (standard registration).
Not a member? Join today!
May 2025
Exploring Indian Cuisine for Healthy CACFP Menus
Thursday, May 1 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern
Indian cuisine is celebrated for its bold flavors, colorful dishes, and emphasis on plant-based ingredients, making it a great addition to your CACFP menus. By incorporating culturally diverse and veggie-forward recipes, you can offer nutritious, appealing meals while fostering a sense of inclusion and appreciation for global food traditions. Get introduced to the basics of Indian cooking, explore popular plant-based dishes, and provide practical ideas for incorporating them into CACFP menus.
1. Learn veggie-forward Indian recipes that meet CACFP meal pattern requirements.
2. Understand the importance of culturally inclusive menus in child and adult care settings.
3. Gain practical tips and inspiration for adding global flavors to your programs in a nutritious and approachable way.
Earn 1.0 CEU for attending this Zoom webinar.
Presented by:
Ripsinder Arora, MS, RD, LD
Clinical Dietitian
UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center
CACFP Adult Care Boot Camp
Tuesday, May 14 | 11:00 am - 4:40 pm Eastern
Keeping older adults healthy, engaged, and well-nourished takes creativity, knowledge, and the right strategies. Join the CACFP Adult Care Boot Camp so you can walk away with fresh ideas, practical solutions, and the confidence to elevate the care you provide to older adults. Discover simple ways to incorporate movement into daily routines, hands-on tips to enhance nutrition under CACFP guidelines, and bring your questions for industry experts.
Let’s shine a spotlight on the "A" in CACFP by recognizing the vital role adult care plays in supporting health and nutrition.
Earn 6.0 CEUs for attending this Zoom event.
Can't make it live? Register anyway and we'll send you the recordings, available to view through May 28, 2025.
CACFP Advocacy Training
Tuesday, May 20 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern
Ready to make a difference? Join our policy team for this one-hour training designed to prepare you for impactful advocacy. Learn how to share your story, engage with elected officials, and communicate the needs of the CACFP community. Interact with peers to practice and perfect your advocacy.
Learn how you can help advocate for the CACFP community
Gain skills in engaging with elected officials and policy makers
Work with peers to put advocacy skills into practice
Earn 1.0 CEU for attending this Zoom webinar.
Presented by:
Alexia Thex, MEd, National CACFP Association
McKenzie Brunner, MGPS, National CACFP Association
Annual CACFP Training FY25
Thursday, May 22 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Eastern
Looking for in-depth CACFP training? Join us for a two-hour training where we will cover essential topics, including meal patterns, meal counts, claims submission, review procedures, recordkeeping requirements, monitoring protocols, the reimbursement system, Civil Rights, key updates in the CACFP, and answers to frequently asked questions using NCA's CACFP Meal Pattern Minutes.
New to CACFP? You will benefit from attending this training as this is a comprehensive overview of the requirements of participation.
Earn 2.0 CEUs for attending this Zoom webinar.
Presented By:Â
Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, Senior Nutrition Education Specialist, National CACFP Association
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.