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Tag: USDA

  • Pre-Schoolers Learn About Culture With Their Home Child Care Provider

    Pre-Schoolers Learn About Culture With Their Home Child Care Provider

    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Provider Darlene Abraham of Baltimore, MD featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association.

    Press Release
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    updated: May 15, 2017


    Austin, TX, May 15, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    ​​​Few people can say that they truly love what they do each day and could not imagine doing anything else. Darlene Abraham is fortunate to be one of these lucky few. Since 2001, she has operated her own home child care and started in the profession simply because she loves children and wanted to be around them. Enjoying the smallest of life’s milestones and striving to be a positive influence on the children in her care keeps her going day to day.

    Part of being a positive influence is helping the children experience and try new ideas. Darlene takes this to heart when introducing the children to different cultures. For one month out of the year, they “travel” around the world to places like Poland, France, Spain and Australia. Through their travels, they learn about animals, music, games, and read various books about the culture. At each location, their passport is stamped and they’re ready to continue their journey. They extend their cultural studies by incorporating nutrition as well.

    “When introducing a new food, try not to go too far from what they know and like. Find something similar that will help to broaden their palate.”

    Darlene Abraham, Home Child Care Provider

    At family style meals, Darlene encourages the children to pick out something they have not eaten before. When making a healthy pizza, the children must choose two new veggies to try and a new variety of cheese. Salads go beyond spinach and often include arugula or spring mix. Darlene even shops at different cultural grocery stores to try variations on products the children are already familiar with.

    Learning about cultures starts within the community. The children walk around their neighborhood meeting neighbors and investigating their surroundings. Community events are emphasized and encouraged. By exposing the children to community and cultures, Darlene hopes the children learn about the world around them and develop skills to take with them as they grow.

    CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP program they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in our Member Showcase at our website, www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, care givers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Home Child Care Provider Creates One Big Happy Family

    Home Child Care Provider Creates One Big Happy Family

    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Providers Michael and Faith Alexander of Baltimore, MD, featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association

    Press Release
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    updated: May 11, 2017


    Austin, TX, May 11, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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     While going to work in the medical field, Faith Alexander dropped her children off at a home child care. Almost every day, she would play with all the children, and soon came to realize she was in the wrong profession. Twenty-eight years ago, she created her own home child care center. Today, she and her husband, Michael, work together to create a family atmosphere and “one big happy family.” 

    Faith and Michael create this atmosphere through open communication and by welcoming parents into any and all activities. The intent is to create a partnership where everyone works together with children as the focus. A calendar is given at a parent orientation meeting that contains a majority of activities and a timeline for lessons. Faith makes sure to keep everyone up-to-date with reminders and enjoys sending out photos of the children throughout the day. 

    “We bring everyone into this home out of love. We not only nurture the children, but also try to nurture the parents and the family. If we do that, we help to create a well-rounded child.”

    Faith Alexander, Home Child Care Provider

    Poppy and Grandma, as they are known to the kids, encourage everything to be a learning experience. Nature walks to the park, trips to the zoo and story time all include counting, phonics, and shapes that the kids are constantly working on. They even try to incorporate each of the children’s interests into what they do, share those with the parents, and then are excited about seeing where it takes them.

    Faith and Michael know they have succeeded in creating a loving atmosphere when the children they have cared for return to visit. As professionals and adults, they are excited to share accomplishments, successes, and even their own children. Providing a family environment for children truly gives Michael and Faith a purpose for each day and a feeling that their lives are blessed because of the opportunity.

    CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP program, they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in our Member Showcase at our website, www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, care givers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Continually Working for Quality Child Care: CACFP Showcase

    Continually Working for Quality Child Care: CACFP Showcase

    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Provider Susan Holbrook of Croswell, MI featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association

    Press Release
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    updated: Apr 5, 2017


    Austin, TX, April 5, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    Susan Holbrook always wanted to be a teacher and truly has found the best of two worlds. As a home childcare provider, she was able to not only teach, but also stay home with her own children. Twenty-seven years later, she continues to educate preschoolers and care for kids afterschool.

    The goal at Susan’s home is to produce happy, healthy, and kind children. Nutrition, of course, is a focus for healthy children. Incorporating the literature from her CACFP sponsor, Susan teaches the children about healthy eating choices and then sends home different information to build those habits. In the warmer months, the children tend to a home garden. Additionally, they take care of the chickens and eggs that are produced. During mealtimes, everyone works together to wash produce, clean up messes and even help plan upcoming menus. 

    “Some days can be difficult of course, but the next day the children come in with their sweet little faces and we start a new day of fun together.”

    Susan Holbrook, Child Care Provider

    Field trips to the library during the summer to participate in the library reading program is definitely a component for happy children. They spend many hours per week outdoors in the play yard and Susan has even incorporated a sunken boat into the ground. The children love to fish and be pirates! There is always fun to be had whether exercising, learning or playing. 

    Not only is Susan dedicated to her children’s continuous improvement, but she strives to improve as well. Enrolling in Michigan’s Great Start to Quality Program, Susan has completed extra continuing education hours, written a cultural plan and her own continuous improvement plan. She has even been awarded a grant in which she supplied her home childcare with a dramatic play kitchen set and other manipulatives for the kids to enjoy.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Educating With Hands-on Learning: CACFP Showcase

    Educating With Hands-on Learning: CACFP Showcase

    Child and Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) Provider Corrine Hendrickson of New Glarus, WI featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association.

    Press Release
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    updated: Mar 28, 2017


    Austin, TX, March 28, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    ​​​​One of the major worries for pregnant moms is child care for the baby when time off from work ends. Corrine Hendrickson was sitting with a group of friends all expecting and having the exact same worry about quality childcare. At that moment, she decided she needed to leave her current job, use the degree she had worked so hard for, and open her own home child care. Ten years later, she has never regretted that sudden decision—loving every moment she spends with the kids in her care.

    In Corrine’s home child care, hands-on learning is integrated whenever possible, starting with healthy lifestyles. Every year the children plant a garden. They begin with planning what to plant and walking together to buy the seeds from the local nursery. After plotting and planting, the kids water, weed, pick and prepare the fruits and vegetables. The children take ownership in the menu and are  involved in preparing the food. Even at three, Corrine has them in the kitchen with her cooking. They take turns choosing a vegetable and everyone must take a “thank you bite.” On birthdays and other special days, one child will get to pick their favorite healthy lunch for everyone to prepare.

    “If they love learning, they’ll want to continue learning even more as they grow up.”

    Corrine Hendrickson, Childcare Provider

    Because the children are involved as much as possible, it facilitates a love for learning. Corrine tries to prepare them with basic knowledge of pre-school skills and then adds to that with physical activity including parachutes, bikes and swimming lessons. Walks to the park and sledding during the winter are fun physical activities enjoyed by all. Inside they have tunnels, dance parties and make-believe props and clothes. 

    Regardless of what lesson is being learned, above all, Corrine wants the children to learn how to be, and grow up to be, honorable and kind human beings. Her hope is that along the way they are curious, asking questions, and not afraid to try new things.  The progress that she sees her kids making every day keeps her motivated and continues to give her joy for the work she is doing. 

    CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP program they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in our Member Showcase at our website, www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, care givers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Serving 4 Million Children Across the United States: Celebrating CACFP Week!

    Serving 4 Million Children Across the United States: Celebrating CACFP Week!

    Press Release
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    updated: Mar 13, 2017


    Austin, TX, March 13, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    March 13-18 is National Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week. The CACFP is a partnership between parents, children, providers, and the CACFP sponsor emphasizing the important role that the CACFP plays in promoting lifelong healthy eating habits in children and also emphasizes the importance of the CACFP to promote physical activity in family child care homes and child care centers. The CACFP has been cited both in academic studies and in government reports for the contributions it makes to the well-being of children being cared for in our child care system.

    The primary goal of the CACFP is to serve nutritious meals to children attending child care homes and centers, especially those from lower economic circumstances. Proper nutrition is vital to the physical, intellectual and emotional development of young children. Secondary goals of the CACFP are: the establishment of lifelong, positive eating habits, reduction of future health care and education costs due to lack of proper early development, and training and support of local child care personnel. Benefits extend to not only the children, but also parents, providers and the communities in which child care home and centers are based. Currently there are 115,000 family child care providers working with 800 sponsors using CACFP. In 2015, CACFP provided 1.9 Billion snacks to 4 million children and 125, 000 persons in Adult Care and 62,000 child care centers.

    During CACFP Week we celebrate the thousands of child care providers, center and afterschool staff, sponsors, state agency and USDA staff who work to secure food access for every child.

    National CACFP Sponsors Association

    Participants of CACFP get the most up to date information from government organizations such as the USDA and Let’s Move!, regarding exercise and nutrition. Participation means that not only are well-balanced meals and snacks served, but that other requirements such as safety regulations, child to staff ratios, and other health guidelines are being followed. To remain in the program, homes and centers are continually monitored and held to the highest standards of health and nutrition with visits from their CACFP sponsors.

    Research proves that good nutrition in young children not only contributes to their physical growth, but to their intellectual and emotional development as well. Children who participate in the CACFP have the opportunity to develop positive eating habits that will lead to a lifetime of good eating habits and good health. CACFP is truly an indicator of quality child care and a program that works sincerely to create a healthy future for America.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • CACFP Week Supports Quality Nutritional Education Across the Nation

    CACFP Week Supports Quality Nutritional Education Across the Nation

    Home Child Care Providers are Important in Children’s First Nutritional Experiences

    Press Release
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    updated: Mar 7, 2017


    Austin, TX, March 7, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    CACFP Week is a national education and information campaign sponsored annually by the National CACFP Sponsors Association. The campaign is designed to raise awareness of how the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program works to combat hunger and bring healthy foods to the table for adults in day care and children in child care homes, centers, and in afterschool and summer feeding programs across the country.

    Research proves that good nutrition in young children not only contributes to their physical growth, but to their intellectual and emotional development as well. Children who participate in the CACFP have the opportunity to develop positive eating habits that will lead to a lifetime of good eating habits and good health.

    In the US there are over 115,000 family child care providers working with 800 sponsors using CACFP to provide children with high quality nutrition and learning experiences.

    National CACFP Sponsors Association

    Across the country, home care providers are doing a great job for America’s children!

    In New Glarus, WI, Corrinne Hendrickson cooks with children as young as three years old. They are learning how to prepare healthy meals while becoming familiar with pre-k math skills and science skills in the kitchen.

    Tony and Connie Mancillas of Saginaw, MI practice math shapes with all of the different healthy foods they prepare. Sandwiches are in different shapes and sizes, the kids practice counting with their orange and apple slices, children are chefs as they measure for different recipes.

    Parents and children alike visit on the planting event day for Michelle Baggett’s home child care in Cincinnati, OH. Not only does Michelle get the children involved in nutritional habits with a garden, but the families and neighbors contribute and learn as well.

    In the south, Kelly Rood of Arlington,TX, uses her garden for learning experiences of all kinds. Not only do the children in her care plant and tend to the garden, they have picnics, play and read in the garden. They are surrounded by good nutritional choices.

    Susan Holbrook of Croswell, MI shares the resources that she receives from her CACFP Sponsor. This literature not only teaches her little ones about making healthy choices, but their families as well.

    We are fortunate to have child care providers across the nation that are committed to serving the children quality, nutritional food through CACFP. The Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) offers lifetime benefits. Proper nutrition during the early years of childhood ensures appropriate development and reduces physical and educational problems later in life. The preschool years are when eating patterns and habits are being established that may determine the quality of one’s diet throughout life. Children who are in child care with providers who participate on the CACFP are given the opportunity of nutrition education by providers who understand their role in shaping attitudes toward the acceptance of nutritious foods. Providers create an atmosphere that instills a positive, curious attitude about food from the earliest years. Participating in CACFP is most certainly an indicator of quality child care

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • CACFP in Your Community: Celebrate National CACFP Week March 12-18, 2017

    CACFP in Your Community: Celebrate National CACFP Week March 12-18, 2017

    Press Release
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    updated: Feb 20, 2017


    Austin, TX, February 20, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    Each year more than 4 million children are served 1.9 billion meals and snacks through the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in child care centers, family care homes and after-school programs. CACFP provides that same access to over 120,000 elderly persons in adult day care. These are staggering numbers. Even more staggering is the fact that without the CACFP many of the those children would not have access to healthy foods or any food at all.

    The primary goals of the CACFP are to serve nutritious meals to children and help establish positive eating habits at the earliest stages of development. Research indicates that the CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. Children that are cared for by providers participating in the CACFP benefit by being fed nutritious, USDA regulated meals that ensure their proper development. These children gain from early nutrition education that helps them establish positive eating habits that will enrich the quality of their diet throughout their life. Child care providers receive nutrition education and support services from their CACFP sponsors who help them serve nutritious meals and create a positive eating environment for children. The quality of child care provided in our community is improved due to educational and financial resources available to caregivers through the CACFP.

    Over 115,000 family child care providers working with 800 sponsors use CACFP to provide children with high quality nutrition and learning experiences.

    Thousands of people work daily, and tirelessly, to make sure children in America are getting access to healthy foods on a regular basis. Annually, with National CACFP Week, we celebrate their passion and commitment while also raising awareness of the food program. During National CACFP Week, March 12-18, 2017, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) encourages communities to come together to learn and acknowledge the many ways our next best generation benefits from the work and dedication of CACFP professionals and the program itself. We know that when we all join forces and work together the message we provide is stronger and will receive more attention. To celebrate CACFP in your community this year, get a tool-kit and free resources at www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986 the National CACFP Sponsor Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, care givers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Sharing Her Natural Gift: CACFP Showcase

    Sharing Her Natural Gift: CACFP Showcase

    Child and Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) Provider Jennifer Sims of Parkersburg, WV featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association.

    Press Release
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    updated: Feb 17, 2017


    Austin, TX, February 17, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    ​​Jennifer Sims has the natural gift and ability to take care of children. Starting with her own 8 siblings, Jennifer cared for the younger ones just like they were her own and served as the neighborhood babysitter inviting kids to join their group. As she worked towards her certification, Jennifer served as an assistant at a home child care provider and the true testimony to her abilities came as that child care home closed. The families asked Jennifer to stay with their kids and even set up a facility for her.

    Jennifer now has her own in-home child care where she serves two separate shifts,  during the day and after-school care with children ranging from birth to 13 years. Parent relationships are critical. Each day a log is sent home. This details the child’s meals for the day and what they ate, tasted, or wouldn’t try. Jennifer even asks what she can do differently knowing the kids might eat a certain food at home, but not with her. In addition to the daily log, an organized, color-coded menu system is displayed for anyone who visits. She happily shares her system with fellow providers at trainings through her sponsor.

    “I have a diverse population. I want every child to feel welcome, as if this is their home away from home and know they will be well taken care of.”

    Jennifer Sims, Home Child Care Provider

    Jennifer’s focus above all else is the kids as she strives to find what makes each child their own person. If the kids need a different order to the room, she moves things around. If one learns better with numbers, shapes and letters on top of their favorite cars, she doesn’t hesitate to place them there.

    Along the way, she has cared for kids with autism, sensory disorders, hearing disabilities, and down syndrome.  She understands that kids don’t always see things the way we see them and works nonstop to find what will work to make everyone successful at her home.

    CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP progam they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in our Member Showcase at our website, www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, care givers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Caring for Children Thirty-Six Years and Counting: CACFP Showcase

    Caring for Children Thirty-Six Years and Counting: CACFP Showcase

    Child and Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) Provider Wanetta Gerlach of Moutville, PA featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association.

    Press Release
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    updated: Feb 9, 2017


    Austin, TX, February 9, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    ​​​​​Like many home care providers, Wanetta Gerlach started in the childcare profession as a way to work and care for her own children. Thirty-six years later, she is still finding joy every day in being a home provider. The smiles on their faces, antics during work and play, and as the children have lightbulbs of understanding combine to keep her motivated.

    Describing the twelve children in her home as super active, she knows nutrition is key to keeping them healthy. Everyone eats together where teachers serve as role models for the kids. Plates must be full of color! Wanetta focuses on making sure food is fresh and healthy. She involves the kids in preparing fresh fruits and vegetables to freeze for the winter. 

    “We don’t do this for the accolades. We do this for the little hugs we get every morning when they come in and the hugs we get every evening when they go.”

    Wanetta Gerlach, Childcare Provider

    Being a firm believer of spending time in fresh air, Wanetta says opportunities to play outside are a must. Every day, weather permitting, the children walk to one of five parks in the area. Even when they’re not at a playground, they run and roll on the hills at a local church having a fantastic time. They incorporate citizenship on their walks as ‘Trash Busters’ each armed with trash bags and gloves to pick up trash along the way. Rules to respect other’s property on their path are also enforced.

    In this child care environment, the children learn about communicating how to truly get along with respect towards one another. Teaching nutrition, health, and pre-k curriculum is only part of Wanetta’s focus. Her main goal is to provide a morally safe, sound environment where children learn about being good citizens and can get along in society. 

    CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP progam they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in our Member Showcase at our website, www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, care givers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Getting Out of the Snack Rut: Child and Adult Care Food Program Sensational #NCASuperSnack Ideas

    Getting Out of the Snack Rut: Child and Adult Care Food Program Sensational #NCASuperSnack Ideas

    Press Release
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    updated: Feb 7, 2017


    Austin, TX, February 7, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    At the National CACFP Sponsors Association, we know that the habits childcare providers instill in children at an early age will become life-long healthy choices. We also know that it’s easy to become stuck in a snack rut. So we’re asking everyone, “How do you CACFP snack?”

    Post your healthy CACFP creditable snack to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and tag @NationalCACFP. Then hashtag your photo #ncasupersnack! Whoever has the most likes, shares, and favorites on March 15, 2017 will win $100 and be featured in our eNews and at our San Diego Conference April 18-20. We’ll also make a free downloadable #ncasupersnack inspiration booklet with everyone’s favorite snacks and then our children win too!

    How do you #ncasupersnack?

    Are you a child care provider or center and not participating with the Child and Adult Care Food Program? Learn how you can be reimbursed for serving healthy and nutritious snacks and meals to the children in your care. Find a Sponsor at www.cacfp.org

    Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, caregivers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies. To find out more about NCA and our upcoming Annual Conference, please visit www.cacfp.org.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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