Mid-State Child Care & Nutrition

06/14/2026

☀️ Summer is in full swing, and staying hydrated is more important than ever! 💧

Check out the USDA’s Offering Water in CACFP resource, available in English and Spanish, for tips on making water easily accessible, encouraging healthy habits, and keeping kids refreshed all season long.

A simple guide to support healthy hydration in your program

Download the free resource and make every sip count at https://www.cacfp.org/assets/pdf/USDA+FNS+-+Offering+Water+in+the+CACFP+EN-SP+cacfp.org/

06/10/2026

Puzzle Time is here 🧩

Print your favorite scene, cut along the lines, mix up the pieces and bring it all back together. For extra durability, glue your page to cardstock before cutting.

A simple, hands-on activity that builds problem-solving skills and keeps little minds engaged. Download at the link in the comments, print and start puzzling!

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/

05/25/2026

Crispy, toasty and simple, Bird’s Nest Toast is a mealtime favorite kids love 🍳🍞

With a perfectly cooked egg tucked right into the center, it’s a fun way to serve up a balanced, meal. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get kids excited about what’s on their plate.

05/25/2026

Meal Pattern Reminder: Beans, peas and lentils may count toward the meat/ meat alternate or vegetable component, but not as both in the same meal.

05/24/2026

Grain-based desserts in the can be tricky to navigate, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

This USDA resource, available in English and Spanish, helps clarify what counts, what does not, and how to stay in compliance while serving balanced meals and snacks.

It's a simple, helpful guide to keep your program on track.

Download the resource and feel more confident in your menu planning - https://www.cacfp.org/assets/pdf/USDA+FNS+-+Grain-Based+Desserts+EN-SP+cacfp.org/

05/21/2026

Pinal Gila Community Child Services brings Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Childhood Development programs to Pinal and Gila Counties in Arizona.

05/20/2026

Make nutrition simple and understandable for your CACFP operation!

The USDA’s Using the Nutrition Facts Label resource, available in English and Spanish, helps you read labels, identify key nutrients and make informed choices when planning meals and snacks.

Download the free resource and take the guesswork out of nutrition labeling at https://www.cacfp.org/assets/pdf/USDA+FNS+-+Using+the+Nutrition+Facts+Label+EN-SP+cacfp.org/

05/14/2026