Pancakes are an essential breakfast staple, but are they considered a grain-based dessert once you top them with syrupy-sweetness?
Learn about sweet toppings on pancakes in this Meal Pattern Minute.
Review CACFP 16-2017 to learn more about grain-based desserts in the CACFP.
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Scrambled, fried, over easy - any way you crack it, eggs are an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals to support children's development. They're also a top allergen.
Check out this Meal Pattern Minute to learn more about serving eggs to infants.
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From gluten intolerance to celiac disease, it's important to know how gluten can affect certain individuals. The September Meal Time Memo covers gluten-free diets and what you need to know about accommodating gluten-free diets in the CACFP.
Farm to CACFP Week is October 12–18: Take the Pledge!
Join OSPI and CACFP sites statewide to celebrate food education, school gardens, and meals featuring Washington-grown foods. Farm to CACFP helps children enjoy more fresh food and learn where food comes from, while supporting local farmers and producers.
How to participate (choose at least one):
- Serve one locally grown food during the week (find suppliers via the Washington Food & Farm Finder).
- Host a taste test or simple food education activity.
- Try a garden/indoor planting activity (e.g., plant starts, seed exploration).
- Celebrate Taste Washington Day on October 8 and participate in the WA Apple Crunch on October 8 at 12pm (if applicable to your schedule).
Take the Pledge (2 minutes): Tell us your plan so we can send ready-to-use resources and celebrate your efforts.
After you pledge, you can choose to receive resources to help with your celebration. This may include a quick-start guide, classroom activity ideas, or the option of a short technical assistance call.
Share your celebration: Tag @waOSPI and use #WAFarmtoCACFP in social media posts to be featured.
Questions? Email farmtocnp@k12.wa.us
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Harvest of the Month
OSPI’s Harvest of the Month resource sheets help Sponors feature seasonal, Washington-grown foods. For September, we’re spotlighting pears. Each sheet includes fun facts, nutrition highlights, selection and storage tips, recipe ideas, and classroom/cafeteria activities you can use to promote tasting and participation.
Access the Pears Resource Sheet on the Farm to CACFP webpage under “Harvest of the Month.” If pears are limited in your area, consider other local, in-season fruits (e.g., apples or plums).
For support sourcing HOM items, email farmtocnp@k12.wa.us.
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Upcoming Events
Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN) Farm to ECE Resource Review Webinar
This webinar will review Farm to ECE resources from across the U.S., including local food purchasing, gardening, and nutrition/agriculture education.
Date: October 7, 2025
Time: 11 am–12 pm PT
Register here
National Farm to School Conference
Join food service professionals, educators, and community leaders from across the nation to share ideas and best practices for connecting children to local food. Includes a Farm to ECE Deep Dive Intensive on December 4. Learn more
Date: December 1–4, 2025
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Register here
New & Notable Resources
USDA CACFP SNACS-II Study Report - Highlights CACFP's role in improving nutrition security and aligning with the Dietary Guidelines, with insights for Farm to CACFP implementation.
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