CACFP Updates for 1/9/2018: USDA Seeks Public Input; USDA New Meal Pattern Webinar on Milk; Training for Pricing Centers; Steps to Success Update; CACFP Conference; ICN Updates

Iowa Department of Education Banner with Mission Statement

 FY 2018 Bureau Notes - January 9, 2018

Bureau updates will be posted here.  This may take a few days. 

 

USDA News

USDA Seeks Public Input on Child Nutrition Food Crediting

USDA announced in December a public invitation to submit ideas on food crediting, the system that defines how each food item fits into a meal for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and other federal child nutrition programs. The information collected will help USDA officials better understand its stakeholders’ perspectives on navigating today’s evolving food and nutrition environment.

To claim federal reimbursement for food served through one of USDA’s child nutrition programs, program operators must serve meals and snacks that meet each program’s specific meal pattern requirements. USDA’s crediting system defines how each food item fits into the meal pattern. USDA is using this Request for Information as a systematic and transparent method to ensure each stakeholder has the chance to share their thoughts and opinions on crediting and gather ideas that maximize participant's ability to serve healthy, appealing meals.

Electronic comments are preferred and may be submitted here. To be assured of consideration, written information must be submitted on or before February 12, 2018. For more information, see the press release.  

CACFP Halftime: Thirty on Thursdays

Webinars are held the third Thursday of every month.

Register here for the next webinar: Serving Milk in the CACFP

Thursday, January 18, 2018
1:00 to 1:30 PM CST (English)
2:00 to 2:30 PM CST (Spanish)

The upcoming CACFP Halftime webinar will review current CACFP meal pattern requirements regarding milk and provide opportunities for webinar participants to practice applying this information through scenario-based questions. The webinar will also demonstrate how to use Team Nutrition’s Serving Milk in the CACFP training worksheet. Webinar participants will have the opportunity to submit questions to the webinar presenters and to check their knowledge through interactive polling questions.

Future webinar topics:
Menu Planning Options for the CACFP (February 15)
Identify Foods That Are Whole Grain-Rich
Grain-Based Desserts in the CACFP
How to Serve Meat and Meat Alternates Instead of Grains at Breakfast
Offer Versus Serve in the CACFP
Recipe Development and Crediting
Meal Pattern for 13-18 Year Old Age Group
Feeding Infants in the CACFP

Previous CACFP Halftime webinars were recorded and are now available on the Team Nutrition website:

Choose Breakfast Cereals That Are Lower in Added Sugars
Choose Yogurts That Are Lower in Added SugarsCACFP

 

Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services News

Pricing Centers Webinar

Monday, January 22, 2018
1:30-3:30 CST
This training is for CACFP "pricing" centers that have a separate meal charge to learn about additional requirements when meals are not included in the cost of care.

The goals of this training are to:

  • Improve communication, understanding, and CACFP compliance for pricing centers
  • Refresh your knowledge on the additional CACFP pricing center requirements
  • Provide a tool for tracking payments 
  • Answer questions

The training is planned for one hour (two hours have been scheduled to allow time for questions).  A one-hour training certificate will be available for participants who complete the entire webinar. 
Presenters: Jaclyn Graves and Jane Heikenen, CACFP Consultants

To join the webinar:

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://IDOE.zoom.us/j/8194388986

Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +16465588656,,8194388986# or +16699006833,,8194388986#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location)：
US: +1 646 558 8656 or +1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 819 438 8986

Iowa CACFP Steps to Success - Online Training Update

The Iowa CACFP Steps to Success Update workshop, available on the Iowa Learning Online Professional Development website, has been updated.  The training now includes the revised CACFP Administrative Manual, the new CACFP meal pattern and updated quizzes. Optional interactive videos have been added and updated (some under development and will be posted upon completion). 

This workshop is required for CACFP authorized representatives and owners of for-profit organizations.  Selected modules are an excellent training resource for new cooks, and infant and meal service staff.  Module 11, Preparing for a State Agency Review is recommended to help you get ready for an upcoming review.  Click the link below for more information:

IowaCNP | Download Forms

CACFP038 Ctr - FY18 Steps to Success Workshop Flyer - Updated

 

CACFP Conference  - Save the Dates:

Tentative Dates: April 25-26, 2018
Location: TBD

Previously CACFP Short Course - combined conference in 2018 with CACFP Home Sponsors

Updates from the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN):

Two new handbooks are available at no charge:

  • Managing Allergies in Child Care Centers
  • Employee Health and Hygiene

Click here to order or contact Janelle.Loney@iowa.gov (request by email).

Online training

A host of online training opportunities are available for CACFP credit. Examples are listed below:

 

 

  • CARE Connection - Planning Cycle Menus in Child Care (2 hr)
  • CARE Connection - Planning Snacks as a Nutrition Education Activity (1 hr)
  • CARE Connection - Step by Step Menu Planning (4 hr)
  • Food Safety in Child Care (4 hr)

 

Click here to see the ICN Learning Portal, complete list of classes, and to enroll. 

ICN was formerly National Food Service Management Institute

Robin Holz, MS, RDN
CACFP Lead Consultant, Centers
Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services
400 E 14th St
Des Moines 50319
Phone: 515-281-3484
Fax: 515-242-5988
Iowa Department of Education Website

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