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[Recording] Session 3: How the Anticipated Proposed Meal Pattern Rule Could Shape CACFP

  • Writer: Samantha Marshall
    Samantha Marshall
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

Today we came together to discuss how what we think might be in the anticipated meal pattern proposed rule would impact the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Review the 30-minute recording here.


We provided a quick overview of the initial survey results to get a dialogue started. The top

5 themes that came through the survey were:

  • More time

  • More Funding

  • Flexibility

  • Clear Definitions

  • Realistic Expectations about What People Will Eat


During the discussion, the community shared that:

  • timing is a huge factor in successful implementation

  • cost and funding is a huge concern

  • operations and training are critical

  • concern about tier II family child care homes dropping off

  • employee turn-over: need simple rules so new people can learn how to cook and serve meals quickly

  • price of food, even without change in CACFP, is hard to deal with

  • local grocery stores already don't have exactly what we need to serve a CACFP meal - concern about whether they will be able to purchase the newly required foods at their local markets

  • equipment is a large concern if more scratch cooking and whole food preparation is required (this impacts staffing and facilities)

  • "vendors need to step up" - if vendors provide the healthier foods, the operators are happy to serve them if the reimbursement helps cover the costs


We have 63 responses so far, and we are feeling so happy about this. However, the more robust data we have, the better it is as we continue to share the CACFP communities' experiences, thoughts, and real-world operations - not just with USDA FNA but with partners who can help advocate on your behalf. Please fill out the survey if you haven't already - and share widely!


Session 4: Healthier Meals and the Real-World Challenges of CACFP

Session 5: From Insight to Impact - How to Comment


What else is missing, what else do you want to talk about? Email me: samantha@cacfproundtable.org


We have a new Learning Hub, so you can easily see all of the great possibilities to advance your leadership in CACFP. Check it out!






 
 
 

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