Yesterday, August 3rd, the CACFP Roundtable hosted the CACFP Policy Town Hall with USDA, the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) and the National CACFP Forum.
USDA shared with us updates and clarifications on waivers, new resources and answered some burning questions which were pre-submitted by the CACFP community. Geri Henchy, FRAC, shared with us updates from the Hill about the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act (CNR), current and upcoming marker bills as well as information about the reconciliation bill and why CNR is taking a bit longer than we were informed by congress earlier in the year. Reynaldo Green, the National CACFP Forum, shared our joint CACFP Kid Ambassador Campaign - it's impact and how to do it! Find the recording below. Also here, are links to many of the resources mentioned during the presentations.
Resources and Links
USDA Resources and Links
Q&A for Child Nutrition Program Operations in School Year 2021-2022 - USDA/FNS (this waiver addresses a common Providers' Own Child question in regard to eligibility for tier 1 for a year) Published June 11, 2021
Previously Issued Questions and Answers Relating to Operation of the Child Nutrition Programs: Updated for School Year 2021-2022 (updated previous school year Q&As for school year 2021-2022) Published July 14, 2021
CACFP 11-2021 - Collection of Race and Ethnicity Data by Visual Observation and Identification in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program – Policy Rescission (note: further guidance is in clearance as of August 3, 2021)
USDA Policy Guidance: CACFP 08-2021, CACFP 12-2021
Geri Henchy, FRAC, Resources and Links
Emergency Child and Adult Nutrition Assistance Act of 2021, Introduced by Congresswoman Adams, Congressman Trone and Congresswoman Newman: Extends COVID-19 emergency relief for both the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the school food authorities through the end of 2021 school year to help cover their operational costs.
The Access to Healthy Food for Young Children Act (Senate Bill Introduced)
The Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act (House bill was introduced before and expected to be reintroduced soon)
Making the Most of CACFP's Area Eligibility Waiver for Child Care Homes: Outreach Toolkit for CACFP Partners (coming soon!)
Reynaldo Green, National CACFP Forum
CACFP Kid Ambassadors Campaign (find instructions and all the resources to share here!)
CACFP Policy Town Hall Webinar Recording
More from the CACFP Roundtable
The CACFP Roundtable is committed to fostering a community of leaders who work together to build equitable access to the Child and Adult Care Food Program and nutritious meals in care settings. Your support goes toward programs and advocacy that help us get closer to ensuring everyone has the right to nutritious meals and making the CACFP an even better Food Program for all.