Online Program

Oral

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA) expanded the purpose of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to promote health and wellness in child care settings. Under the HHFKA, CACFP centers and homes are encouraged to follow the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) to serve foods recommended for increased consumption, reduce sedentary behaviors, and provide opportunities for regular physical activity. USDA has taken a multi-pronged approach to help child care centers and family child care homes comply with the DGAs, including conducting nationwide needs-assessment research, funding Team Nutrition Training Grants, and expanding Farm to Preschool efforts. This session will begin with an overview of CACFP formative research conducted in 2014, USDA’s Team Nutrition resources for child care, and plans for future resources based on the research results. Information on USDA policy, resources, and strategies for incorporating local foods into CACFP and connecting children to gardening will be provided. Finally, the session will highlight State agency efforts to provide training to help early care educators implement nutrition recommendations and utilize farm to preschool programs. Throughout the session there will be opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and questions and answers.

Session Objectives: Identify five or more top challenges to implementing nutrition and physical activity recommendations in child care settings and describe three or more resources to help providers overcome these challenges. List strategies for connecting children with gardening and incorporating local foods into child care settings. Describe the benefits and outcomes of State training modules that provide on-the-ground instruction on healthy menu planning.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)