Sunshine Connections

09/01/2026

Farm to CACFP is more than gardening.

It also includes serving local foods, offering taste tests, visiting farmers markets, reading farm-themed books, cooking with children and teaching where food comes from. Every activity helps connect children with healthy foods in meaningful ways.

No matter your budget or program size, there are simple ways to get involved. Explore the Rooted in Community resource at https://www.cacfp.org/assets/pdf/Rooted+in+Community+cacfp.org/ for even more Farm to CACFP ideas, then learn more at cacfp.org/farmtocacfpweek.

Which Farm to CACFP activity have you tried?

08/21/2026

Healthy Children, Healthy Communities

Caption to be posted on Facebook groups along with flyer-

📢 Calling All Home-Based Child Care Providers in Rural Nebraska and Kansas! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

Join our Healthy Children, Healthy Communities research study today to support children's growth and development in your care.

Provider compensation and resources:

✅ Earn up to $595 in Amazon gift cards.
✅ Get 19 in-service credit hours.
✅ A toolkit with interactive activities for children.

✅ Receive resources for parents

📌 Check the flyer for details & sign up today: go.unl.edu/hchc2

Email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Want to learn more? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) here:
👉 FAQ: https://go.unl.edu/hchcfaq

💡 Know a home-based childcare provider? Share this opportunity with them!

08/01/2026

The 2026–2027 CACFP Reimbursement Rates are here!

Updates include increases across meal types for homes and centers, as well as increased administrative rates for sponsors. Rates are effective July 1, 2026.

Find Rates here: https://www.cacfp.org/rates-of-reimbursement/
Read the full breakdown on our blog: https://www.cacfp.org/2026/07/27/2026-2027-cacfp-reimbursement-rates/

07/24/2026

Are rising grocery costs making it harder to provide healthy meals and snacks in your child care home?

This is a wonderful free opportunity to learn more about CACFP and the many benefits available to you.

We would be happy to answer your questions and help you decide whether the program is a good fit for your child care home. Please email us at [email protected]. We are always glad to visit with you!

Do you know providers not yet on the food program? Share this post!

We're hosting a free webinar on Thursday, July 30, where providers can learn more about the Child and Adult Care Food Program and why it's so much more than just a meal program. Empower your program to serve healthy and nutritious meals, receive valuable reimbursement, and access a nationwide network of caregivers and resources.

06/16/2026

05/31/2026

Make vegetable crediting in the a little easier to navigate.

This USDA Crediting Vegetables Tip Sheet breaks down what counts and how to confidently serve vegetables that meet meal pattern requirements - a quick, practical resource to help you stay on track and simplify your planning.

Download the tip sheet and take the guesswork out of vegetable crediting at https://www.cacfp.org/assets/pdf/USDA+FNS+-+Crediting+Vegetables+Tip+Sheet+9-16-24+cacfp.org/

05/14/2026

Milk regulation changes coming soon for the CACFP!

USDA released a final rule that allows whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk to be offered to participants ages two and up in the CACFP, National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Special Milk Program (SMP).

This rule does not require CACFP operators to offer whole and reduced-fat milk but allows operators the flexibility to offer these types of milk to participants two and up if it makes sense for their program. The rule will be effective June 8, 2026.

Read more about this final rule on our blog: https://www.cacfp.org/2026/05/08/final-rule-expanding-fluid-milk-options-in-cnps/

05/08/2026

✨ Happy Child Care Provider Appreciation Day✨

To our amazing Child Care Providers — thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the love, patience, and care you show each and every day. You’re more than just caregivers — you’re teachers, cheerleaders, boo-boo fixers, and magic-makers🩷

We are so grateful to get the opportunity to work with you and for everything you do — today and always. You truly make a difference. 🌟