4/6/26 C.A.R.E. - Child and Adult Care Food Program Newsletter

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 04/07/2026 09:15 AM PDT

Child and Adult Care Food Program C.A.R.E.: Week of April 6, 2026

Update: Revised Crediting Handbook for the CACFP Now Available
Update: USDA Policy Guidance
Important Dates to Remember

Update: Revised Crediting Handbook for the CACFP Now Available

The updated Crediting Handbook for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is now available online. The handbook was revised to make guidance clearer and more consistent, add new crediting examples, and update the language used to match current policy.

The Crediting Handbook is a technical assistance resource that helps CACFP operators plan menus that meet current United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) meal pattern requirements. The handbook works with the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs to help with crediting foods and planning meals.

The Crediting Handbook does not contain new policy or guidance related to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030. CACFP meal pattern requirements remain unchanged.

Upcoming Trainings

Nutrition 201

Spokane | June 3

Interested? Contact your program specialist

Update: USDA Policy Guidance

The USDA recently released new guidance that affects the CACFP.

Incorporating Local Beef into the Child Nutrition Programs

SP 03: 2026, CACFP 02-2026, SFSP 02-2026: Incorporating Local Beef into Child Nutrition Program Meals encourages Child Nutrition Program operators to incorporate locally raised beef into program meals when feasible. The memo does not add new requirements; but highlights existing flexibilities and provides resources on procurement, funding, food safety, and crediting.

2026 Appropriations Act: Effect on Child Nutrition Programs

SP 05-2026, CACFP 03-2026, SFSP 03-2026 provides notice to Child Nutrition Program operators regarding the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Bran, Military Construction and Veteran Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, enacted on November 12, 2025. This memorandum applies to all CNP operators.

Prohibition on the Use of Chicken and Seafood from China
- Program funds may not be used to procure raw or processed poultry or seafood products imported into the United States from the People’s Republic of China through September 30, 2026.

Freeze Dried Fruit Crediting in Child Nutrition Programs

USDA has provided clarification about the use of freeze-dried fruit in child nutrition programs. Program operators may now credit freeze-dried fruit toward the fruit component in a reimbursable meal. Guidance on any type of dried vegetables has not changed. Dried vegetables would still have to be reconstituted to be able to credit toward a reimbursable meal.

Since there are no entries for freeze-dried fruits in the Food Buying Guide, operators would need to conduct an in-house yield study to determine the appropriate crediting amount. The prepackaged volume should be measured to determine the actual volume and then doubled for the meal contribution. For example, if the package contents are measured to be ¼ cup, then the portion would credit as ½ cup of fruit.

Crediting of dried fruit as double the volume only applies to School Meal Programs and the CACFP. Crediting dried fruit at double volume does not apply to SFSP meals.

Resources:

Yield Study Module in the Recipe Development Canvas Course

Modifying FNS Instruction 113-1

CRD 01-2026 announces the USDA's intention to modify FNS Instruction 113-1: Civil Rights Compliance and Enforcement – Nutrition Programs and Activities, and develop new guidance.

In the interim, civil rights and nondiscrimination laws and regulations remain in effect, along with related compliance and enforcement requirements. More information will be provided when it becomes available.

Important Dates to Remember

April 15

Claims due in WINS by 2 pm

ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.

Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.

ADA NOTIFICATION FOR OSPI CHILD NUTRITION SERVICES EVENTS
To arrange accommodations for persons with disabilities for OSPI Child Nutrition Services events, please contact the Child Nutrition Services Team at 360-725-6200, TTY 360-664-3631, or by email, child.nutrition@k12.wa.us at least three business days before the event. Please note that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require OSPI to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.

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This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.