CACFP Staff with Representative Jim McGovern (D. MA), FRAC Anti-hunger Conference 2018
Clarendon is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) agency that sponsors the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for providers participating in Clarendon’s Child Care Systems across the state as well as independent Providers. The CACFP provides many benefits for providers and children including, nutrition training, free nutritious meals for children and financial reimbursement for provider’s meal service costs. Massachusetts Department of Education provides oversight for all sponsors of the CACFP in MA.
Clarendon is a staunch advocate for the continuation of Federal funding for the Food Program and works tirelessly with The Food Research and Action Center. FRAC is the leading National Organization dedicated to the integrity of the CACFP and the welfare of America’s hungriest children.
NUTRITION AND CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
Clarendon supports state and local initiatives to bring fresh produce to your child’s plate. Serving local foods and offering related hands-on activities can increase children’s willingness to try new foods. With daily opportunities to serve local products through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), farm to preschool benefits local and regional farmers and Farm to table opens opportunities for child care educators to collaborate with farmers in their area. This would not only provide healthy, fresh meals to children in care but to also create opportunities for children to learn about the steps it takes to grow and take care of the vegetables they eat.
Incorporating seasonal and locally produced foods is included as a best practice in the CACFP meal pattern final rule.
Message from USDA/Food and Nutrition Services. Team NutritionFood Planning During the Coronavirus PandemicDuring a pandemic, you may be taking extra precautions to keep you and your family safe and prepared, including making sure you have everything you need at home. This guide contains information on food planning, including what to buy, how much to buy, and preparation tips.
Take a look at the foods you already have in your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry; make sure to look at expiration dates and best by dates. This can help you plan meals around what you already have, and will help you limit the number of trips to the grocery store and avoid spending money on items you don’t need.
Shopping may feel more stressful at this time. Make a list ahead of time to stay focused, get the items you need, and keep your shopping trip short. Since stores may not have some specific items, create a list with general items like “fruit” or “bread.”
Many grocery stores offer in-store pickup, curbside pickup, or delivery. Third party options also exist for grocery store delivery. You may find these services helpful during times of social distancing. If you are older, check if your store delivers or has early shopping hours for older Americans only.
Buy what you and your family need at this time, and resist the urge to buy in much larger quantities. Prepare a shopping list that will cover you and everyone in your household for 2 weeks.Include fresh, frozen, and non-perishable items
Plan for a mix of fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable foods. Eat your fresh food first. Stock your freezer and pantry with items you can eat in the second week and beyond.
Choose a mix of shelf-stable, frozen and fresh foods. Examples of shelf-stable foods include pastas, rice, legumes, nut butters, and dried and canned goods. Frozen options to think about might be breads, meats, vegetables, fruits, and even milk. With fresh foods, buy a variety in quantities that you would normally buy. Remember to include the special needs of all family members, including pets, infants, or those with dietary restrictions.
While everyone is home together, you may feel inclined to try a new recipe or experiment with new flavors to keep things interesting. For others, sticking to simple items or familiar foods and tastes provides comfort. Plan what works for you and your family.
Many school districts across the country are continuing to provide meals to students in need during school closures. Check for local programs in your area, such as Meals to You. Contact your local school to learn about meals that may be available through pop-up food systems, grab-and-go meal pickups, or school bus routes.
Tips for Every Aisle
Use these tips to fill your cart with budget-friendly and healthy options from each food group.
Sample 2-Week Menus
These sample 2-week menus can be used by any person or family wanting to follow a healthy diet at a modest price.
MyPlate Plan
To learn about your food group targets, use the personalized MyPlate Plan tool.Activities for Families at Home:
MyPlate: Activities To Do with Kids
Activities and printables to get the whole family on board with making healthier choices.
Team Nutrition Cooks!
Cooking based nutrition activities for children ages 8-12 years old.
Team Nutrition Games & Activities
Make your way through all the food groups with these fun games and activities.Contact information:
For solutions to feeding children impacted by COVID-19, email feedingkids@usda.gov.For more information about Coronavirus:For more information about Coronavirus:
http://Coronavirus.gov
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
What the U.S. Government is Doing
Spanish: https://www.usa.gov/espanol/coronavirus
USDA Food and Nutrition Service response
This project has been funded at least in part with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
