NuPA Newsletter – October 27, 2016
Related Content
New CACFP Meal Standards and the Afterschool Meal Program
The California AfterSchool Network (CAN) provides resources related to the new meal option under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). CACFP centers and day care homes may continue to comply with the earlier meal standards as they transition to the new meal standards. However, all aspects of meals served through the CACFP must meet the new standards no later than October 1, 2017. Afterschool programs are now eligible to either add a meal to their afterschool program (in addition to a snack) or replace their snack with a meal.
There are many resources available to help you better understand the program and its requirements, discuss this option with your food services director, and get more assistance from the California Department of Education. CAN Afterschool Meal Program Resources can be found here.
In addition to the CAN resources, The Food Research & Action Center will be hosting an Afterschool Meals Matter Conference Call on Thursday, December 15, 2016 from 1:00-2:00pm. Join this call to understand and plan for the new meal pattern and identify supporting nutrition enrichment activities to empower families, support staff and engage children.
October is National Farm to School Month!
What is farm to school? Farm to school enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early care and education sites. Students gain access to healthy, local foods as well as education opportunities such as school gardens, cooking lessons and farm field trips. Farm to school empowers children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to vibrant communities. Learn more and check out resources for the National Farm to School Month, here.
California Food Policy Advocates – 2016 State Legislative Session Reflection
The California Food Policy Advocates states: The 2016 California legislative session recently concluded with action by the Governor on several items of interest to anti-hunger, anti-poverty and public health advocates. This session brought some key victories, including the passage of a statewide minimum wage increase through SB 3 (Leno & Leyva) and the state budget repeal of the CalWORKS Maximum Family Grant rule, which unjustly relegated hundreds of thousands of California’s most vulnerable children in deep poverty.
Resources from Shape America
Count Me In! The Student-Friendly National Standards Poster
There are approximately 50 million students enrolled in America’s elementary and secondary schools (grades pre–K to 12). Through health and physical education programs, SHAPE America aspires to empower the youngest of today’s students to live healthy and active lives by the time they graduate high school in 2029. SHAPE America’s 50 Million Strong by 2029 campaign’s focus is to create a generation of health conscious children by providing impactful and effective programs that enhance their nutrition and physical education knowledge. The Student-Friendly National Standards Poster will help your students understand and develop the skills and behaviors needed to lead physically active lifestyles. State resources and tips for effective instruction on incorporating the National Standards into your class are available for both elementary (preK-5) and secondary (6-12) grade levels on the website. Count me in Shape America’s 50 Million Strong.
The Prevention First School Health Team
The Prevention First School Health Team newsletter is your one stop shop for all your nutrition and physical nutrition needs! The October issues article Strengthening PE and Recess in School District Policy discusses the recently released 2016 Shape of the Nation: Status of Physical Education in the USA report by SHAPE (Society of Health and Physical Educators) America. The report measures physical education policies in the U.S. education system and aims to promote the need for effective physical education and increased physical activity and awareness for the students of America. The report includes current physical education (PE) and physical activity (PA) policies in place, and offers additional recommended policy concepts that school might consider implementing. Find updated information and resources regarding important USDA rules and regulations about topics like Smart Snack and Community Eligibility Provision and how to launch a Wellness Wednesday Program at your school.
2016 Participation Report from the Physical Activity Council
The Physical Activity Council released the 2016 Participation Report. The report gives a broad overview of an annual study that tracks participation in 120 sports and fitness activities, by generation, inactivity by age and income level, and pending trends. According to the report, participation in sports seemed to be fluctuating over the last few years, with an increase in team, winter, water, and fitness sports participation. Individual sports declined slightly in 2015 while racquet and outdoor sports remained flat. The overall levels of inactivity decreased marginally in the last 12 months from 28.3% of Americans age six and older in 2014 to 27.7% in 2015. The Physical Education Pathway results of the report indicate that kids who receive physical education and participate in physical exercise in school are more likely to be active outside of the school setting. Access the 2016 Participation Report here.
The Boys and Girls Club of America Announces National Youth of the Year
The Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) awards Jocelyn W., from Silicon Valley, as the 2016-17 Pacific Region Youth of the Year. Jocelyn enrolled in the BGCA at age 5 and has been a loyal member for 13 years. Deriving from a community with high crime, drugs and gang violence, Jocelyn found stability in the Club and feels at home. With the encouragement from her mentors and coding skills she acquired through the club, she applied to a private school, received a scholarship, and secured internships. Jocelyn has accomplished many things in her career as a student, including coding her own photo sharing app and founded a nonprofit, Under-represented Teen Advocacy Program that connects Bay-area teens in need with available services. Jocelyn plans to study Journalism at University of Southern California and become a journalist, lawyer and entrepreneur. Go Jocelyn! Read more about Jocelyn here.
Join the Team: Become a Team Nutrition School
Team Nutrition Schools are working together to create healthier school nutrition and physical activity environments for students nationwide. Schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program are eligible to sign up, and nearly half of those in the program have already volunteered to be Team Nutrition Schools! These schools are committed to empowering youth to practice healthy behaviors by leading active lifestyles and making good food choices. As a Team Nutrition School you will receive nutrition education and training materials, and be apart of a collaborative support network. Becoming a Team Nutrition School is simple. Schools must have a designated Team leader that has been approved by the school nutrition director and principal. Sign up today!
Order Free CAN Resources!
Do you want access FREE CAN resources? If you would like copies of any of CAN’s great resources please fill out this form and CAN will mail copies directly to you.
Do You Have a Job Opening? Seeking a job?
The California AfterSchool Network is now connecting expanding learning programs and job seekers. Job openings can be for any level of an out-of-school time program or organization serving youth. Visit our website to post a current job opportunity or check out our job listings today.
