Let’s get ready for Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization! The last time Congress renewed this law, it was 2010. So much has happened since then!
This reauthorization process gives us all an opportunity to educate Congress on what would make the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) even better. The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee and the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee will take the lead on this work. They’ll hold hearings, ask questions, and try to understand the issues.
Senate Agriculture Committee hearing in March
The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry held a hearing in March. We were so excited to see Reynaldo Green, President of the National CACFP Forum testify on behalf of the CACFP and child care community! He said, “We are at a critical juncture to strengthen the Child and Adult Care Food Program through Child Nutrition Reauthorization. This will allow us to continue the original intent of the program: To address hunger and improve the nutritional well-being of millions of children across this country.” Get the written testimony and hear what he said here.
House Education and Labor Committee hearings in June and July
The House Committee on Education and Labor held hearings in Subcommittee in June and in July about Child Nutrition Reauthorization. Witness testimony didn’t include CACFP in June, but witnesses and Members of Congress were talking about it in July! Witness testimony elevated the need for an additional reimbursable meal in the program, and reducing paperwork. Subcommittee Chair Bonamici talked about that additional meal too!
Legislation
U.S. Senators and Representatives will introduce legislation on specific programs to help build enthusiasm for particular issues like school breakfast, school lunch, and of course CACFP.
In April, Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Access to Healthy Food for Young Children Act (S. 1270). NAFCC is pleased to endorse this legislation! Find out why.
We expect legislation to be introduced soon to carry the important ideas for CACFP forward!
Your stories
Throughout this process, we will have opportunities to work together to talk about priorities we hear from NAFCC members:
- Reimbursement rates, and fair payment across centers and family child care
- Eliminate tiering
- Reimbursing for an additional meal/snack
- Support the for the CACFP sponsor organizations /intermediaries crucial
- Easing the CACFP paperwork
Thank you for being a part of this together!
