CACFP Training - Save the Date (ALL but FDCH)
Save the date for in-person CACFP training opportunities!
- June 3: Rhinelander
- June 4: Eau Claire
- August 5: Appleton
- August 6: Milwaukee (Oak Creek)
- August 12: Madison
Training will be offered from 9:00– 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
- Three breakout sessions will be held from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. followed by three additional breakout sessions from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. These same sessions will be repeated in the afternoon from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. and 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
- This format provides CACFP staff with flexible options to attend training that best accommodates their schedules.
More information regarding the training and registration will be provided in CACFP Email Bulletins this spring.
National CACFP Week - March 15-21, 2026 (ALL)
Happy CACFP Week! Governor Tony Evers and State Superintendent Jill Underly have recognized March 15-21, 2026 as Child and Adult Care Food Program Week. These proclamations promote the significant contributions of providers and sponsors to provide nutritious and well-balanced meals and snacks as part of the CACFP.
These proclamations may be used to promote National CACFP Week and may be accessed on the Department of Public Instruction website.
For more information and resources check out the National CACFP Sponsors Association website. Thank you for your continued participation in the CACFP. We value your partnership.
DPI Web Modernization (ALL)
As part of DPI’s Strategic Plan and commitment to improving public service, the DPI is moving forward with a major modernization of its website. The goal is to ensure the site remains clear, accurate, accessible, and aligned with the department’s current programs and priorities.
The current website platform will be upgraded to maintain security and reliability. In addition, a federal requirement mandates improved digital accessibility by April 2026. DPI is committed to meeting this requirement by incorporating accessibility best practices.
This modernization effort will help create a more streamlined, accessible website that makes it easier for the public to find information and access DPI resources.
During this transition, if you are unable to locate a specific resource, please contact your assigned consultant for assistance.
USDA Guidance Promoting Stronger Program Integrity and Oversight in the CACFP (ALL)
On February 11, 2026, USDA released a letter titled Promoting Stronger Program Integrity and Oversight in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The letter highlights that maintaining program integrity helps ensure resources are used effectively to maximize benefits for eligible children and adults served by participating child care centers, family day care homes, and adult day care centers. USDA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting State agencies in their efforts to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. State agencies are encouraged to strengthen oversight of CACFP by implementing the strategies described in the letter, including:
- Use the onboarding process to help prevent bad actors from participating in CACFP.
- Ensure training is provided, as it is a critical component of maintaining program integrity.
- Conduct effective monitoring, investigations, and corrective actions to properly manage institutions.
- Use the serious deficiency and suspension process as required.
- Carefully review reimbursement claims for signs of program abuse
If your agency has questions about operating the CACFP, please contact your assigned consultant.
USDA Policy Memo CACFP 02-2026: Incorporating Local Beef into Child Nutrition Program Meals
This memorandum provides helpful resources and strategies for Child Nutrition Program (CNP) operators and ranchers to incorporate local beef into school meals. Resource topics cover procurement, funding resources, food safety, crediting, and technical assistance contacts from the Farm to School Program.
This memorandum is in support of Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ commitment to American beef and the recently published USDA Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry.
New Staff Responsible for CACFP (ALL but FDCH)
Do you have new staff working with the CACFP? Check out this resource New Staff Responsibilities for CACFP.
Reminder CACFP agencies may not contract out management of the program per FNS Instruction 792.2. Program management responsibilities that an agency may not contract out include, but are not limited to:
- Signature authority on the CACFP contract between the agency and the DPI and contract documents.
- Providing adequate supervisory and operational personnel for management and monitoring of the program; training and monitoring administrative and site staff.
- Control of the quality, extent, and general nature of the food service.
- Submission of claims for program reimbursement.
- Determining eligibility, signature authority and privacy rules related to Household Income Statements.
- Recordkeeping responsibilities, including meal counts to verify claims.
- Compliance with state and local regulations including health certification and licensing requirements.
- Adherence to the procurement standards when contracting (refer to Guidance Memorandum 4).
A CACFP agency must check with DPI before allowing a contractor to undertake any other tasks that
may include management functions that may not be delegated.
The CACFP agency must retain final administrative and financial responsibility for the management of proper, efficient and effective food service operations.
Contact your assigned CACFP Consultant with any questions.
ICN Webinar: CACFP: Sweet Smart: March 17, 2026 2:00 p.m. (ALL)
Hidden sugars can sneak into many of the foods children eat every day--even in foods that seem healthy. In this webinar, participants will learn how to spot common foods and ingredients that add hidden sugars to children’s diets and why it matters for their health. The session will also share practical, easy-to-use strategies for reducing added sugars in meals and snacks, including simple recipe changes and healthier ingredient swaps that still taste good. Enroll today!
ICN March 2026 Mealtime Memo: Boost Your Program With Social Media (ALL)
Social media is a simple and low-cost way to share the great things happening in your program. You can post about healthy meals, celebrate staff and children, or show your involvement in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This Mealtime Memo provides creative ideas to engage with families while promoting the high-quality work your program does every day.
|
