Child and Adult Care Food Program 2015

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the meal patterns and nutrition guidelines for child care facilities that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Right now, regular folks can comment on the guidelines before they undergo the final writing process.

This comment period provides a unique chance to help improve nutrition for little children, including by increasing whole grains, reducing juice, eliminating sugar-sweetened beverages from child care facilities, and not allowing cookies and other grain-based desserts to count as the grain component in meals and snacks.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has drafted an email that outlines specifics they believe would make the food program healthier for children. CSPI urges parents, advocates and all child nutrition stakeholders to review their letter and consider signing it.

According to CSPI, 25% of 2-5 year olds are overweight or obese, and few consume enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for good health

You can read CSPI’s letter here.