National CACFP Association marks 40 years of advocacy for child and adult care meals

The National CACFP Association is marking its 40th anniversary by highlighting four decades of advocacy for the federal food program that serves children and adults in care settings. The group says its next phase will focus on policy changes, provider support and broader awareness of the program’s role in fighting food insecurity.

Why it matters: - The Child and Adult Care Food Program helps children and adults in care settings get nutritious meals. - NCA says stronger CACFP policy can reduce food insecurity, support healthy development and ease pressure on providers. - The association’s advocacy affects how the program is understood by lawmakers, agencies and the public.

What happened: - The National CACFP Association marked 40 years of advocacy as it celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026. - NCA was founded in 1986 and has focused on making sure policymakers understand CACFP and the professionals who run it have the support they need. - The group said its work spans providers, sponsors, partners and policymakers across the country.

The details: - NCA works to educate policymakers, community leaders and the public about CACFP’s role in combating food insecurity and supporting healthy development. - National CACFP Week is one of the association’s most visible campaigns. - Each year, advocates seek proclamations and congressional recognition to spotlight the program and the providers who deliver it. - NCA has supported federal legislation that improves access, strengthens reimbursement and reduces barriers for providers. - The association engages with federal agencies, including USDA, through rulemaking processes. - NCA provides feedback and recommendations intended to help CACFP policies work for providers, sponsors and state agencies. - The association has participated in Child Nutrition Reauthorization discussions and given testimony in congressional hearings. - NCA endorses the Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act, which would modernize CACFP policy and reduce administrative burden. - NCA also endorses the Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act, which would strengthen participation and support child care programs that rely on CACFP. - Providers can use NCA advocacy campaigns, an Action Center and educational resources to contact elected officials, host site visits and share their CACFP experiences. - NCA regularly convenes partners across the country to share knowledge, identify challenges and develop solutions. - The association holds quarterly meetings with state agencies to discuss emerging issues, share best practices and coordinate CACFP implementation. - Recent initiatives such as Farm to CACFP connect child and adult care programs with local food systems and nutrition education. - NCA says those efforts also strengthen community partnerships.

Between the lines: - The anniversary push is not just a look back. It is also a bid to keep CACFP visible in future child nutrition debates. - NCA is leaning on providers’ lived experience because those stories can move lawmakers faster than technical policy arguments. - The emphasis on state agencies and federal rulemaking shows the association is working both inside the policymaking process and in public-facing advocacy.

What's next: - NCA plans to keep pressing for policies that expand access and improve CACFP administration. - The association will continue making its case for the two bills now before Congress. - NCA says the next phase of CACFP advocacy depends on partnerships, informed policymakers and engaged advocates nationwide. - The group will keep using its campaigns and education efforts to promote healthier communities through CACFP.