The National CACFP Association (NCA) has long been a cornerstone for those involved in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and its Farm to CACFP Week initiative takes that support to a new level. Held annually in October, this week-long event is designed to help providers strengthen their connections to local agriculture while bringing fresh, nutritious foods to the tables of children and adults in care. For anyone looking to enhance their menu with locally sourced ingredients, this program offers a wealth of practical tools and inspiration.
Farm to CACFP Week is more than just a themed event; it’s a comprehensive educational experience. With a focus on themes like “Root for Local,” participants learn how to source, serve, and celebrate local foods, with special attention to root vegetables. The week includes webinars, live menu labs, and a variety of downloadable resources that make implementation straightforward and rewarding.
What is Farm to CACFP Week?
Farm to CACFP Week is an annual initiative by the National CACFP Association that brings together hundreds of providers, farmers, and food producers to explore practical ways to incorporate local foods into CACFP meals. The event features webinars, such as “Root for Local Food: Let’s Cheer for Farm to CACFP” and “Rooted in Goodness: Launching Farm to CACFP with Local Vegetables,” which provide actionable insights and hands-on learning opportunities.
Participants receive a sample menu highlighting how to integrate root vegetables into meals, along with promotional resources like “I Root for Local” cards and coloring pages. The goal is to make local food procurement, gardening activities, and agricultural education accessible and engaging for all involved.
What stands out
Farm to CACFP Week excels in providing a diverse array of resources that cater to different learning styles and needs. Here are some of the standout features:
- Practical webinars: Two live sessions with over 500 participants, offering step-by-step guidance on sourcing and using local vegetables.
- Free downloadable materials: Sample menus, CACFP-friendly recipes adapted from FDPIR, and food storage videos.
- Local food sourcing guides: Resources to help providers communicate with farmers and build lasting partnerships.
- Promotional tools: Social media images, coloring pages, and cards to spread the word and engage the community.
- Farmer-focused resources: A companion guide that introduces farmers to CACFP and explains how they can connect with care programs.
Who it’s for
Farm to CACFP Week is designed for child and adult care providers who participate in the CACFP program, including those in child care centers, family homes, emergency shelters, and afterschool programs. It is also valuable for farmers, food producers, and anyone interested in strengthening the link between local agriculture and nutrition programs.
Whether a provider is just starting their Farm to CACFP journey or looking to deepen existing partnerships, the resources are tailored to meet them where they are. The webinars and materials are structured to support both beginners and experienced practitioners, making it a versatile tool for the entire CACFP community.
Pricing and availability
Farm to CACFP Week resources are available free of charge to registered participants. The National CACFP Association provides all materials, including sample menus, recipes, and guides, at no cost. To access these resources, individuals can visit the official website at cacfp.org/farm-to-cacfp-week.
The event itself is held annually in October, but the resources remain accessible year-round, allowing providers to revisit and implement them at their own pace.
What makes it worth considering
Farm to CACFP Week stands out for its commitment to making local food integration practical and sustainable. The webinars are not just theoretical; they include live menu labs where participants collaboratively build menus using local vegetables, providing a hands-on experience that translates directly to real-world use.
Additionally, the resources are designed with the CACFP standards in mind, ensuring that all recipes and menus meet federal requirements. This attention to detail saves providers time and effort, while the focus on root vegetables offers a creative and seasonal approach to meal planning. The community aspect is also a major plus, with opportunities to connect with other providers and farmers.
Verdict
Farm to CACFP Week is a standout resource that makes local food integration practical and inspiring for child and adult care providers. The combination of free webinars, downloadable guides, and community support ensures that anyone can start incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients into their meals with confidence. It’s a must-visit for anyone in the CACFP community looking to enhance their program.
Frequently asked questions
It is an annual event held by the National CACFP Association to help providers incorporate local foods into meals.
Child and adult care providers enrolled in the CACFP program, along with farmers and food producers.
Sample menus, recipes, food storage videos, sourcing guides, and promotional materials.
The event and resources are free to registered participants.
Visit cacfp.org/farm-to-cacfp-week to explore and download resources.
