Not every finding during a CACFP monitoring review leads to a serious deficiency declaration. State agencies have discretion, and many minor issues can be resolved through technical assistance. But some findings are so significant—or so frequently repeated—that they cross the line into serious deficiency territory. In January 2026, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service outlined specific

In January 2026, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service held its first webinar in a new training series focused exclusively on the serious deficiency process in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The message from FNS leadership was unmistakable: program integrity is a top priority in 2026, and the serious deficiency process is the primary tool

If you run a CACFP sponsor network, you already know the feeling. You start every month with a plan. By the end of the month, you’re buried in corrections, chasing signatures, prepping for reviews, and wondering where the time went. You’re not bad at your job. You’re stuck in time traps. After working alongside CACFP

Summer is around the corner – and that means it’s time to get your Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) planning in motion. The USDA just released the updated SFSP reimbursement rates for 2026, giving sponsors a clearer picture of how much funding you can expect for meals served this year – and more importantly, how to plan so you’re

Managing nutrition programs that serve 4.5 million children daily requires precision, compliance, and efficiency¹. Effective CACFP meal planning requires understanding federal guidelines and implementing systematic approaches that ensure every child receives nutritious meals while maintaining program compliance. With $3.5 billion in annual reimbursements at stake, proper planning isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for program sustainability¹. For