Tuesday, October 15, 2024

SMART SHOPPING FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

1. Craft Nutrient-Packed Menus
Designing menus that meet the CACFP nutrition requirements is key to providing children with the best possible meals. By planning balanced meals that include a variety of foods from different food groups, you’re ensuring that the children receive the essential nutrients they need for growth and development. Thoughtful menu planning also helps you streamline your shopping list and minimize waste. Need some inspiration? Check out our CACFP Compliant Recipe Book by subscribing to our Monthly Newsletter, filled with healthy options for your childcare business!

2. Embrace the Power of Seasonal Foods
Seasonal eating not only introduces kids to diverse flavors but also helps you save on costs. Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season into your menus. These items tend to be more affordable and offer the children an opportunity to explore the changing tastes of different times of the year.

3. Leverage Discounts and Specials
Stay vigilant for discounts, special offers, and coupons from local stores and suppliers. Many stores offer deals on items that fit into your CACFP-approved meal plans. Being aware of these promotions helps you stretch your budget further while continuing to provide nutritious meals.

4. Maximize Bulk Purchases
Buying pantry staples like whole grains, legumes, and pasta in bulk quantities can significantly reduce costs. This strategy not only saves you money but also reduces packaging waste. You can involve the children in the process by showing them how you measure and store these items, imparting valuable lessons about portions and sustainability.

5. Discover Affordable Options at Discount Stores
Discount grocery stores such as Aldi, Lidl, and Trader Joe’s can be valuable resources for childcare providers on a budget. These stores often offer a variety of budget-friendly, nutritious options that align with your meal plans.

6. Embrace Store-Brand Quality
Opt for store-brand products when appropriate. These items are often just as nutritious as name-brand products but are cheaper. You can provide high-quality meals without overspending by selecting store-brand items for staples like dairy products, canned goods, and whole grains.

7. Frozen Produce: Convenient and Nutritious

Frozen fruits and vegetables are excellent choices for childcare providers. They retain their nutritional value, are more affordable than fresh produce, and have a longer shelf life. These items are beneficial on busy days when you need quick and nutritious meal options for the kids.

Learn more, here.

LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Talking About Uncle Jack


Sesame Street in Communities brings free video content of everyone's favorite, furry Muppet friends as they help children and the adults in their lives reach their highest potential. Grover and the gang will tackle a variety of topics that face children in the areas of health and well-being, school readiness, and emotional well-being.  Some of the content and topics presented are more sensitive, so you should preview these videos before sharing with a child.

LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Apply for the Live Your Dream Award

The Live Your Dream Awards offers three levels of cash awards. Eligible applicants can submit their application through the online application system between August 15 - November 15. Ultimately, a Live Your Dream Awards finalist has the potential to receive up to $16,000 to help offset tuition costs, purchase books, get transportation, or find reliable childcare so she can worry less about how to pay her bills and focus on reaching her dreams.

The first level of judging occurs at the club level. Please note: each club has their own judging process, timeline, and award amount. Most clubs announce their recipients between January and April.

Timelines to receive funds are dependent on your local club.

LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Job Announcement : Family Navigator ; Bilingual





Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950