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The “CACFP Basics to Advanced Training” was conducted in September as an in-person training throughout the state. These sessions were recorded and are now posted in Canvas in the “2024 In-Person Training: Recorded Webinar” section. Use these modules and accompanying resources to train new staff or as staff refresher training!
Training sessions include:
- CACFP Basics Part 1 & 2
- Administrative Review Common Findings
- Financial Management
- Monitoring
- Nutrition 201
- Staff Training
- How to Write Policies and Procedure
Seven scholarship opportunities will be available from the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) for the 2024 National Child Nutrition Conference in Orlando, Florida April 22–26, 2024.
Through the scholarship program, NCA recognizes the professionals who are dedicated to ensuring that our nation's most vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food.
Apply for NCA Scholarship Today!
Applications are due by Tuesday, January 16, 2024, and recipients will be announced in February. Scholarships include conference registration fees, lodging, and some transportation costs. Eight additional scholarships will be awarded to attend the conference virtually.
Eligible applicants include:
- Sponsoring Organizations
- Family Home Providers
- Child Care Centers
- Adult Day Care Centers
- Head Start programs
- School Districts
- At-Risk Afterschool Sites
- Emergency Shelters
- Summer Food Sites
- Food Banks
- Tribal Nations
The Institute of Child Nutrition is hosting an optional webinar titled “Budgeting on the CACFP”. This training will explore best practices and tips for budgeting, including planning, purchasing, and preparing nutritious, high-quality meals while staying within budget constraints.
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Date: January 16, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM PT
Register Here
Washington WIC gives families access to nutritious food and provides health screening, risk assessment, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services. The program provides essential services for pregnant people, new and breastfeeding persons, infants, and children under five. Most pregnant people and young children on Medicaid or Basic Food (SNAP) qualify for WIC services.
What Can You Do to Help?
Help the families you serve by sharing WIC benefit information! Post the WIC flyer in your center and/or include it with participant enrollment packets. The Department of Health offers this handout in 14 languages.
Resources:
The USDA Farm to School Grant is designed to increase the availability of local foods in schools and child care institutions. Grant funds can help connect children to the sources of their food through education, taste tests, gardens, field trips, and local food sourcing. Grants can launch new farm to early learning programs or expand existing efforts.
The Farm to School Grant awards up to $500,000 with no minimum award amount. The funding support projects over 24 months. Applicants are required to provide matching support of at least 25 percent of the total project budget in the form of cash or in-kind contributions. Applications are due Friday, January 12, 2024.
For additional information please see the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program website.
February – Yogurt
Fun Facts:
- Yogurt has origins from countries in Western Asia and the Middle East.
- The word Yogurt is believed to come from the Turkish word “yoğurmak,” which means to thicken, coagulate, or curdle.
- There are many types of yogurts, and they can vary in texture, flavor, and sweetness.
- Yogurt makes a great snack as well as a main component in many meals.
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Nutrition Information: Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and protein. Since yogurt is a fermented food, it has great probiotic benefits.
Selection and Storage
- For CACFP compliance choose yogurts (soy or dairy) that do not have more than 23 grams of sugar per 6 ounces.
- Choose yogurt that has the longest use by date or best by date. Keep yogurt refrigerated and in a container covered to prevent it from drying or in contact with other foods that may alter its flavor.
- Discard if there are any signs of mold.
- Yogurt can be frozen but will have a different texture. Frozen yogurt is great for smoothies and quick breads.
Recipes
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Educational Resources:
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January 12
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Farm to School Grant Applications Due
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January 15
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December Claims Due in WINS
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January 16
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NCA Scholarship Applications Due
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January 16
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ICN Webinar | 12pm | Register to Attend
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January 29
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November 60-Day Claiming Deadline—if you haven't already, submit your claim
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