Family childcare providers are the heart of their communities, creating nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn. We love celebrating the dedication, professionalism, and creativity that providers bring to their programs every day. Today, we’re excited to introduce Miss Pam, a family childcare provider in Illinois and the creator behind @misspamslovinglearners on TikTok, where
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
When it comes to accurately recording your Food Program and maintaining compliance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), the key lies in paying attention to the details. Without the right approach to managing the paperwork, an innocent miscalculation or an expired form can affect your monthly reimbursement and result in corrective actions
It’s hard to appreciate just how much time and effort that goes into managing the large amount of data required to participate in the CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program), maximize reimbursements every month, and stay compliant. It’s an enormous responsibility CACFP sponsors and their sites know very well. Luckily, advancements in cloud technology
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded nutrition program that reimburses childcare providers to ensure children from low-income families receive healthy meals and snacks during their stay. Currently, the CACFP helps to feed 4.2 million children across the country. But this year, the food program is primed to be a
