CACFP Insight

December Edition

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"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a

friendly hand, and for a talk beside the fire." — Edith Sidwell


Our offices will be closed December 19-30. Have a safe and joyous holiday break!

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2022 Farm Fresh Summit was a Success!

ESC Region 11 thanks everyone for participating in our Summit this week. It was a great day of networking, learning, and planting seeds of inspiration for all involved. Special thanks to the instructors and ESC volunteers who had a hand in the success.

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neon sign Coming Soon

CACFP Live — Happy Days in the CACFP: Get an “Aaaa” in Menu Planning with Hip Tools and Style

Wednesday, Dec. 14th 2022 at 10-11:30am

This is an online event.

Come “Rock Around the Clock” with us and learn how to create nifty cycle menus. You will “flip your lid” when you see how easy menu planning can be with the FBG! Be ready to have it “made in the shade” when it comes to meeting meal pattern requirements with the FBG tools! These HAPPY DAYS are yours and mine when your menus are EXACTAMUNDO!


https://esc15.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtce6pqz8pH9VnQHzEr0ZKYhvEwAO5LPwi

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CACFP Operational Check-ins — Menu Planning (Virtual)

Wednesday, Dec. 14th 2022 at 1:30-2pm

This is an online event.

Do you need help with menu planning? Join us for 30 minutes during our CACFP Check-in, where we'll discuss new CACFP updates, the menu planning process, and cycle menus. We will be available after the session to help you with any additional questions.


https://esc11.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvceGpqzMiEt057wm8oVJEtrGAbfgUjmO_

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Need Ideas for Tiny Vegetarians?

More and more parents are choosing the vegetarian lifestyle for their children. This can be a challenge. Even professionals are sometimes confused about the types of foods allowed on these diets. Here's a handy chart to help with menu planning.
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Updated CACFP Handbook

Updated CACFP Handbook

There are four important changes to the CACFP Handbook, including the appeals process. Follow this link to see the changes in the process.

Updated CACFP Handbook

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Harvest of the Month — Spinach!

Did you know that spinach grows rapidly and becomes full-grown about six to eight weeks after it is planted? Farmers pick it when it has about 10-12 leaves by pulling the plant out of the ground.


Harvest of the Month materials spotlight fruits and vegetables grown in Texas throughout the year. Incorporating Harvest of the Month into your Farm Fresh activities provides an opportunity to focus on a specific fruit or vegetable each month, allowing children to try and learn more about each item.

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Resources Available for National CACFP Week

National CACFP Week is designed to raise awareness of how the USDA's Child and Adult Care Food Program works to combat hunger and bring healthy foods to the table for adults in daycare and children in childcare homes, centers, and afterschool and summer meal programs across the country.


Go to squaremeals.org to order your 2023 CACFP Week and WIC resources.

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Do You Need to Laugh Today?

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Meet Your CACFP Team

Carolyn Miller headshot

Carolyn Miller, CMP, CCNP

Carolyn Miller headshot

cmiller@esc11.net

817-740-7681


Office Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.


Graduate of Tarleton State University

Tamika Figgs headshot

Tamika Figgs, MS

Tamika Figgs headshot
tfiggs@esc11.net

817-740-7604


Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Graduate of Johnson & Wales University

and the University of Houston

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ESC Region 11 logo square

The goals of the ESC Region 11 Child Nutrition Programs are to provide information, support, and assistance that promotes continuous improvements of Child Nutrition Programs wherever they may be — childcare centers, school districts, charter schools, adult daycares, or residential childcare institutions. Our services are intended to reflect the most current nutrition knowledge available and encourage a healthy lifestyle and readiness to learn by today’s children - tomorrow’s adults.


ESC Region 11 Child Nutrition Homepage


This product was funded by USDA/TDA.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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