Food & Supply Source and Child Nutrition Labels The Child Nutrition (CN) Label program was established in 1984 in order to help identify qualifying manufactured food items as being creditable for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Prior to the establishment of the CN Label program, it had become increasingly difficult for CACFP operators to determine which processed and complex food items were creditable. The CN Label program makes it easier for operators to identify creditable items, and as a result, helps to ensure that children enrolled in CACFP are receiving nutritious meals. The CN Label program is an important part of the overall effort to improve the...

What do you think of when we say dairy? Milk? Yogurt? Cheese? Dairy comes in different forms and can be hidden in some basic recipes. If you know someone who claims they don’t eat dairy because “they don’t like it”, it’s likely because they haven’t found a way to prepare it that their taste buds will enjoy. Options Cheese– Cheese is a very versatile food making it convenient for a multitude of recipes. You can add it to dishes or eat it alone. Add cheese to salads, sauces, pasta, and even desserts to jazz up your plate. Serve cheese with fruit or other finger foods to make a mess-free appetizer....

Healthy Eating: Nutritional Tips for Early Education Programs The nutrition that is given to toddlers under the age of three is more important than most people realize. Early education programs, such as Early Head Start, which caters to babies aged three and under, also provides healthy foods and nutrition as part of their educational services. Studies show that babies grow three inches or so every three months, while toddlers grow at about three to five inches throughout an entire year. However, every baby is different, so their nutritional needs may vary from child to child. Food service supplies for programs like Head Start are very important. Head Start administrators often...

Food Purchasing for Head Start: How to Deal With Picky Eaters When it comes to feeding toddlers and preschoolers, to say that it is an “adventure” is a bit of an understatement. The National Head Start Association provides early childhood education and nutrition opportunities to the children and families who participate in its programs. You might imagine that the teachers and care givers who work for the Head Start Program experience a lot of situations with picky eaters and kids who don’t want to try new things. Quality Nutrition on a Budget Despite the drastic sequester budget cuts that administrators of the Head Start Program were forced to deal with...

Closures Still Happening Nationwide: Head Start Budget Issues Despite the fact that Sequestration is over and that funds have been allotted by the federal government in the most recent budget for the early childhood education program known as Head Start, closures are still happening nationwide. Administrators who were unable to make ends meet and manage Head Start purchases in order to keep the doors open are sadly having to cut spaces or close down programs entirely. The fallout from these past budget cuts is still affecting the children and families who depend on these programs for education, healthcare, nutrition and support in just about every state. Children and Families Feel...

Head Start Programs: Avoid Food Mistakes for Better Health One of the great things about the Head Start Program is its commitment to early childhood nutrition and building healthy eating habits. They teach kids and parents about improving diet by introducing healthy fresh fruits and vegetables in order to encourage a lifetime of good skills. Children can be picky eaters, but there are ways to help them try new things without making mistakes that could be stumbling blocks throughout their childhood. Bad habits can lead to health problems, such as diabetes, childhood obesity and other issues that could pose as a challenge later in life. Head Start Program administrators know...

FoodSource Plus Provides Nutrition and Savings to Head Start One of the core components of running a program under the National Head Start Association is to provide participants with quality nutrition services. The Head Start Nutrition program provides guidelines based on all of the rules and regulations required by the USDA child and adult care food program. In addition to providing the children who participate in Head Start programs with nutritious meals, the goal is to create a social and educational experience at mealtimes to integrate discussion of food, health and daily activities as a means of improving communication and conversational skills. Responsibility and teamwork are also educational benefits from...

More Funding Needed in Massachusetts for Head Start Programs Just a few weeks ago, it seemed as though the Head Start and Early Head Start budget crisis was over. Education program funding was supposed to be back on the rise, helping low income families right here in Massachusetts and across the country to get access to the early education programs that they so desperately need. However, a state budget meeting was held recently in which a group known as “Stand for Children,” came seeking an increase in funding for preschool programs in the state. Growing Wait List in Massachusetts The most recent count shows that over 40,000 low income families...

Smart Food Purchasing for Head Start Program Administrators Administrators who run local Head Start Programs understand what it means to have the numbers work against you. In the 2013 Sequestration that came as a result of the Congressional budget showdown, administrators were forced to reduce Head Start budgets by more than five percent. While that may not sound like a lot to those on the outside, between food purchasing for Head Start, administrative costs, office supplies, janitorial supplies and all of the programs offered within the program, that five percent amounted to a lot. Administrators Worked Smarter, Not Harder In the face of the budget cuts, some of the local...

Head Start Program Encourages Fathers and Male Figure Involvement A Head Start Program in Bogalusa, Louisiana launched an event that was aimed at getting male family members more involved in the local early childhood learning program. Dads for December is a hands-on opportunity for fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, uncles and other significant male figures to become more involved in a child’s life. The Dads for December program is one of four events that are held each year at the local Head Start Program under a wider opportunity known as Head Start’s Dedicated Dads. The program encourages participation between male figures and children to complete craft projects, giving fathers and other important...