CACFP Insight

January Edition

wooden desktop with journal and supplies

"Before I agree to 2023, I need to see some terms and conditions." — Anonymous

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Changes to USDA Team Nutrition Database

Team Nutrition USDA logo
The Team Nutrition Network, an online database of contact information for Team Nutrition Schools and Team Nutrition Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Organizations, will be retired on June 30, 2023. The Team Nutrition initiative is continuing its important work in supporting the Child Nutrition Programs, and you will continue to have access to the main Team Nutrition Website and all of its popular Team Nutrition resources.


If you have any questions about the retirement of the Team Nutrition Network, please reach out to TeamNutrition@USDA.gov.

Team Nutrition USDA logo
neon sign Coming Soon

CACFP Operational Check-ins — Special Dietary Needs (Virtual)

Wednesday, Jan. 18th, 1:30-2pm

This is an online event.

Are you puzzled by special dietary needs? 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.


Register here.

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Food Buying Guide, Menu Planning, and Meal Patterns for the CACFP (VIRTUAL)

Thursday, Jan. 26th, 1-3pm

This is an online event.

Learn the basics of our current Meal Patterns for breakfast and lunch, and dive deeper into applying those requirements to your actual menu. The first part of this session will review the basic principles of the meal pattern, and the second half of the class will apply these principles to plan menus successfully. Please bring a past menu to review and update during the class. Target audience: Directors, supervisors, and menu planners


Register here.

Use this helpful guide in planning your nutritious meals!

cover of HSC publication "Nutrition matters for the early years"

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Be On the Lookout! Changes in SFSP Regulations and Application

french bulldog with binoculars on beach

Here are some important dates you need to keep in mind:

  • January 15: Access to the SFSP application packet opens in TX-UNPS
  • March 15: Deadline for CEs requesting an advance payment
  • April 15: Deadline for new CEs or renewing CEs in need of a more thorough review
  • May 3: Deadline for renewing CEs


To begin the application process to become a Summer Meals Program Contracting Entity, please complete the SFSP Intake Form.


SFSP Final Rule 2022 | Site Recruitment Strategy


The SFSP Final Rule 2022 requires TDA to collect CE site recruitment strategies in its application. Because this functionality is not in TX-UNPS, all CEs applying to operate SFSP must complete the SFSP Application Addendum – Recruitment Strategies Online Form. CEs are encouraged to submit this form as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to submit your application in TX-UNPS. TDA cannot approve an application until this addendum is submitted.

french bulldog with binoculars on beach

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Harvest of the Month — Ruby Red Grapefruit!

The January spotlight shines on the state fruit of Texas, red grapefruit!



The Texas Department of Agriculture's "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. Follow this link for more information on TDA's Harvest of the Month.

TDA Harvest of the Month graphic for Red Grapefruit

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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?

spaghetti formed in likeness of Chewbacca

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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

ESC Region 11 logo square

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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.

PA 1.9.23 JK 1.12.23 BM 1.12.23