CACFP Resources and DPI Web Modernization (ALL)
The DPI is continuing forward with a major modernization of its website. 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.
The Bureau of Community Nutrition is working on making CACFP Resources accessible and some have already been posted to the webpage to reflect the new requirements. Programs will notice that the resources and required forms are longer than before to meet these standards.
During this transition, if you want to confirm you are accessing the most current form or are unable to locate a specific resource, please contact your assigned consultant for assistance.
USDA Policy Memorandum CRD 01-2026: Modifying the FNS Instruction 113-1;Civil Rights Compliance and Enforcement-Nutrition Programs and Activities
On November 8, 2005, the Civil Rights Division (CRD) issued FNS Instruction 113-1: Civil Rights Compliance and Enforcement –Nutrition Programs and Activities, as an Instruction for FNS employees and recipients of federal financial, to help ensure compliance with numerous civil rights and nondiscrimination laws, regulations and policies. In the years since its issuance, certain laws were amended, civil rights and program regulations underwent revisions, and policies were updated. As such, FNS is modifying the FNS Instruction 113-1, and developing a new guidance tool which will reflect current civil rights obligations, to include recent Executive Orders.
Please note that civil rights and nondiscrimination laws and regulations remain in effect, along with related compliance and enforcement requirements.
USDA Policy Memorandum: 2026 Appropriations Act: Effect on Child Nutrition Programs (ALL)
USDA Food and Nutrition Service is pleased to announce the release of the policy memorandum, 2026 Appropriations Act: Effect on Child Nutrition Programs.
Consistent with the guiding principles regarding nutrition programs identified by U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to clarify statutory, regulatory, and administrative requirements, this memo provides guidance regarding implementation of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (Public Law 119-37).
Prohibition on the Use of Chicken and Seafood from China
Under Section 742, of Division B of the 2026 Appropriations Act, 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. This prohibition applies to all CNPs and remains effective through September 30, 2026.
Child Nutrition Programs: Income Eligibility Guidelines (ALL)
The USDA has published the annual adjustments to the Income Eligibility Guidelines to be used in determining eligibility for free and reduced-price meals for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The guidelines can be located at the Federal Register web page for Child Nutrition Programs: Income Eligibility Guidelines. These guidelines are used by program operators participating in the CACFP.
Year-Round Food Program: Transitioning from CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Programs to Summer Food Service Programs (AR)
All children deserve the opportunity to reach their potential, and nothing is more fundamental to their development than having consistent access to healthy meals. Summer can be a difficult time for families with children, and that can impact the whole community. Summer can be the hungriest time of the year for many kids from low income families. In Wisconsin, 1 in 5 kids struggle with hunger. Only 16% of kids who qualify for free/reduced price school lunch are also getting summer meals. The good news: There are programs in place that can feed hungry children when school is not in session.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides funding to serve free nutritious meals and snacks to children at sites in low-income areas (where half of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals) or that serve primarily low-income children. Sites can be summer programs, parks, swimming pools, schools, low-income housing complexes, churches, and other places where children gather during the summer. Most sites can provide up to two meals a day to children aged 18 and younger.
CACFP at-risk sites are in a good position to transition to the SFSP at the end of the school year. Participation in both the SFSP and the At-Risk Afterschool component of the CACFP are encouraged to benefit both the organization and communities by providing year-round services to children. Check out this program comparison chart developed by the Food Research & Action Center.
Visit the DPI Summer Food Service Program - Join the SFSP webpage for more information and if interested in transitioning your At-risk site to SFSP, contact Amy Kolano, Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Coordinator at (608) 266-7124 or Amy.Kolano@dpi.wi.gov.
Help spread the word about Summer meals. To find a summer meal site location near the children you serve.
Sponsors of At-Risk Afterschool Sites that Participate in NSLP and/or SFSP (AR)
CACFP regulations permit the following flexibilities for sponsors of At-Risk Afterschool Program sites that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or Summer Food Service Program (SFSP):
Monitoring Requirements
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Pre-operational visits: Sponsors are not required to complete pre-operational visits at sites participating in the NSLP or SFSP prior to the beginning of CACFP operations.
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Reviews:
- School Food Authorities: Refer to School Food Authority Monitoring Options.
- Non-School Food Authority SFSP Sponsors: The three required CACFP reviews may be completed as follows: two reviews may be completed for CACFP and one review may be completed during the summer for SFSP, prior to the end of the fourth week of SFSP operation to assess compliance with the SFSP requirements. If the agency has not met the CACFP site review requirements, the third site review conducted during the summer must meet the unannounced and meal service observation requirements.
ICN: Spring CACFP VILT Sessions are now open (ALL)
This Spring, join ICN’s Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) sessions-interactive, expert-led opportunities designed to strengthen your knowledge and skills in child nutrition programs. Visit ICN’s Spring 2026 VILTs website to register.
- Introduction to Happy Mealtimes in Child Care Settings - Lessons 1 & 2, April 23,2026
- Family Child Care FUNdamentals - Lessons 1 & 2, April 28, 2026
- Child and Adult Meal Pattern Requirements - Lessons 1 & 2, May 28, 2026
ICN: April 2026 Mealtime Memo: Culinary Math: Conversions & Adjustments (ALL)
Whether you're making a snack for six children or lunch for sixty, good culinary math skills are essential and make cooking easier, more accurate, and less stressful. This Mealtime Memo explains how to convert recipes and adjust ingredient amounts to keep your food consistent and accurate every time.
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