9/21/26 S.S.T.A.R. - Child and Adult Care Program Newsletter

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 09/22/2026 04:33 PM PDT

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) S.S.T.A.R.: Week of September 21, 2026

Update: Resources from the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN)
Update: Resources from the National CACFP Association (NCA)
Farm to CACFP Corner
Important Dates to Remember

Update: Resources from the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN)

Mealtime Memo: Keeping Food Safe — Food Temperatures and Thermometers

September is National Food Safety Education Month. Review the September Mealtime Memo about how to keep food safe and prevent food borne illness.

Browse the catalog of Mealtime Memos from the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN).

Upcoming Training Opportunities Outside of OSPI

On-Demand CACFP Halftime: Meat and Meat Alternates

Some webinars may require membership to attend.

Update: Resources from the National CACFP Association (NCA)

Meal Pattern Minute: Gluten-Free Whole Grains

Get the scoop in this meal pattern minute about gluten-free whole grain options to serve in the CACFP.

Meal Pattern Minute: Ounce Equivalency for Meat

Review this meal pattern minute that weighs in on when and how to measure meats for ounce equivalency.

Meal Pattern Minute: Whole Grain-Rich

What makes a grain whole grain-rich? Dig into the facts in this meal pattern minute.

Recipes

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Rosita's Enfrijoladas
Chicken Pepper Popper
Cheesy Tuna Expedition Melt
Waffle Fruit Pizza

Resources

Identifying Gluten-Free Foods
Vary Your Protein Foods — Share this flyer with parents
Activity Page: How Many Fruits
NCA Learning Center

Free courses

*Note: Some courses offer CEUs and a certificate for an additional cost.

To access the courses, you will need to sign in or create a free National CACFP account.

Webinars

Shared Purpose: CACFP & School Meals

Together the NCA and School Nutrition Association present this free webinar to provide child nutrition professionals with a high-level overview of each program's purpose, impact, operations, and governance. Participants will leave with an understanding of how these programs work together and independently to ensure children have access to nutritious foods.

Date: September 24
Time: 11–11:30 am

Register

Protein Perspectives: Exploring Protein Foods in the CACFP

Join representatives from the food industry as they share insights about products and discuss how protein foods can support healthy, appealing meals for children.

Date: September 22
Time: 11 am–12 pm

Register

Farm to CACFP Corner

Farm to CACFP Week is October 18–24

Farm to CACFP Week is almost here!

Sign up for CACFP Week and receive an exclusive menu focused on supporting local agriculture and connecting children to where their food is from.

How to Source Local

Identify what’s in season. Learn about local fruits and herbs (frutas y hierbas) and vegetables (vegetales) available from Washington farms.
Consider local products available year-round, such as dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, beans, lentils, grains, or honey.

Consider using OSPI’s new Harvest of the Season educational materials to promote local menu items.

How to participate

Visit the NCA website to find activity pages, educational materials and more!
Don't forget to consider using OSPI's new Harvest of the Season materials!
Post to social media and distribute flyers to families

KidsGardening Regional Groups: Connect, Learn, and Grow Together

Are you involved in school gardens, youth gardening programs, or garden-based education? The new KidsGardening Regional Groups offer an opportunity to connect with others in your area who are passionate about helping children learn and grow through gardening Regional Groups are part of the free Kids Garden Community and are designed to help participants build connections with others who understand the unique climate, growing conditions, opportunities, and challenges of their region. Members can exchange ideas, access support, share resources, and learn from peers who are working to expand youth gardening programs in their communities

Participation is free and open to everyone interested in youth gardening and garden-based education.

Important Dates to Remember

October 15	September claims due in WINS by 2 pm
October 18–24	Farm to CACFP Week

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.

This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES
Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Equity and Civil Rights Director, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200, 360-725-6162 (TTY: 360-664-3631), equity@k12.wa.us.

This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.