{"id":55465,"date":"2020-11-25T15:08:02","date_gmt":"2020-11-25T15:08:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cacfp.growthzonesites.com\/?page_id=55465"},"modified":"2026-01-07T18:41:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T18:41:12","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.cacfp.org\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"About Us"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t

Since 1986, the National CACFP Association (NCA) has been a leading national organization offering support to thousands within the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) community. Our core mission is to provide advocacy, education and resources for everyone involved in administering, operating and participating in USDA’s child nutrition programs. Our overarching goal is to ensure nutrition security for families by facilitating access to vital food programs.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Strategic\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n

2024-2028 Strategic Plan<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBoard of Directors\n\t\t\t\tMeet the Team\n\t\t\t\tHistory\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBoard of Directors\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Alix\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-5ff89d9fc4015\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Alix Pasillas, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"NCA Board Chair, Governance Chair, Certification, Policy, Finance & Audit<\/strong><\/p>\n

Executive Director, Food For Kids Nevada
Reno, NV<\/p>\n

Alix joined Food For Kids 23 years ago as a field monitor and has served as executive director for the last nine years. She has provided guidance that has resulted in the growth of the program throughout Nevada expanding the program to sponsor child care centers and adult day care centers in addition to family day care homes.<\/p>\n

Alix continues to reinforce the sponsorship’s success with passion and determination for bringing healthy, nutritious meals to children and adults in programs that are a part of CACFP.<\/p>\n

Newly elected to the NCA Board in 2020, Alix serves on the Policy, Certification Conference and Board Nomination committees and is excited to work with the association on all things that encompass CACFP.<\/p>\n\t

Alix Pasillas, CMP, CCNP<\/h3>\n

Chair<\/p>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBiography\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-5fd267b3b6f28\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Alix Pasillas, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"NCA Board Chair, Governance Chair, Certification, Policy, Finance & Audit<\/strong><\/p>\n

Executive Director, Food For Kids Nevada
Reno, NV<\/p>\n

Alix joined Food For Kids 23 years ago as a field monitor and has served as executive director for the last nine years. She has provided guidance that has resulted in the growth of the program throughout Nevada expanding the program to sponsor child care centers and adult day care centers in addition to family day care homes.<\/p>\n

Alix continues to reinforce the sponsorship’s success with passion and determination for bringing healthy, nutritious meals to children and adults in programs that are a part of CACFP.<\/p>\n

Newly elected to the NCA Board in 2020, Alix serves on the Policy, Certification Conference and Board Nomination committees and is excited to work with the association on all things that encompass CACFP.<\/p>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Deborah\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-5ff89a8a395c1\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Deborah Gillison-Wilson, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

NCA Board Chair-Elect, Nominations Chair, Certification, Finance & Audit<\/strong><\/p>\n

Executive Director, Georgia Nutritional Services, Inc.
Conyers, Georgia<\/p>\n

Deborah was named to the NCA Board of Directors in October 2021. She brings over 24 years of experience working with child and adult care programs and has been in business as a CACFP sponsor since 1996. Under her directive, guided by her passion for the cause and with an outstanding and committed team, GNSI exists to improve and maintain the health and nutritional status of children and adults.<\/p>\n

In her role as the Executive Director of GNSI, Deborah operates adult, child care centers, day care homes, at-risk afterschool sites and summer food sites. As part of the Board of Directors, Deborah looks to become part of an organization that is about change, compliance in CACFP and SFSP, and the support of all organizations participating in the CACFP\/SFSP.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t

Deborah Gillison-Wilson, CMP, CCNP<\/h3>\n

Chair-Elect<\/p>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBiography\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-5fd261c2dcdde\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Deborah Gillison-Wilson, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

NCA Board Chair-Elect, Nominations Chair, Certification, Finance & Audit<\/strong><\/p>\n

Executive Director, Georgia Nutritional Services, Inc.
Conyers, Georgia<\/p>\n

Deborah was named to the NCA Board of Directors in October 2021. She brings over 24 years of experience working with child and adult care programs and has been in business as a CACFP sponsor since 1996. Under her directive, guided by her passion for the cause and with an outstanding and committed team, GNSI exists to improve and maintain the health and nutritional status of children and adults.<\/p>\n

In her role as the Executive Director of GNSI, Deborah operates adult, child care centers, day care homes, at-risk afterschool sites and summer food sites. As part of the Board of Directors, Deborah looks to become part of an organization that is about change, compliance in CACFP and SFSP, and the support of all organizations participating in the CACFP\/SFSP.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"NCA\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-5ff894a883368\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Kate Abernathy, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"NCA Board Secretary, Policy Chair, Events, Governance, Finance & Audit<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chief Executive Officer, Providers Choice
Minneapolis, MN<\/p>\n

Under Kate’s directive, Providers Choice sponsors family day care homes and unaffiliated centers serving 40,000 children in those programs. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Kate is a Registered Dietitian registered dietician and has spent her career focused on advocating for child nutrition. She is well versed in CACFP policy and regulations and also serves on boards for two other CACFP organizations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

As an NCA Board member, Kate will continue advocating for children and child care providers across the US while also supporting and promoting legislation that would improve child nutrition outcomes. Kate shares, “I will serve with passion and integrity to further promote and elevate the CACFP community. I will bring my energy, knowledge and skills to partner with other board members to achieve our collective goals.”\u00a0<\/p>\n\t

Kate Abernathy, CMP, CCNP<\/h3>\n

Secretary<\/p>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBiography\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-5fd155ee15163\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Kate Abernathy, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"NCA Board Secretary, Policy Chair, Events, Governance, Finance & Audit<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chief Executive Officer, Providers Choice
Minneapolis, MN<\/p>\n

Under Kate’s directive, Providers Choice sponsors family day care homes and unaffiliated centers serving 40,000 children in those programs. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Kate is a Registered Dietitian registered dietician and has spent her career focused on advocating for child nutrition. She is well versed in CACFP policy and regulations and also serves on boards for two other CACFP organizations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

As an NCA Board member, Kate will continue advocating for children and child care providers across the US while also supporting and promoting legislation that would improve child nutrition outcomes. Kate shares, “I will serve with passion and integrity to further promote and elevate the CACFP community. I will bring my energy, knowledge and skills to partner with other board members to achieve our collective goals.”\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"NCA\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-yn1vbmdqei8f\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Beth Carlton, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"NCA Board Treasurer, Calendar & Nutrition Education Chair, Finance & Audit Chair, Nominations, Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Executive Director, Child Care Links
Hutchinson, KS<\/p>\n

Beth brings years of experience working with the CACFP as the Executive Director for Child Care Links Association in Hutchinson, Kansas. Child Care Links serves over 1,600 children as a sponsor of family day care homes and child care centers. They also serve the community by providing child care subsidies, work as a licensed Resource and Referral Agency and conduct required training for child care providers.<\/p>\n

Beth has a passion for making sure all children have access to quality child care and healthy meals and snacks believing children should have a knowledge of where their food comes from. She also enjoys the challenge of helping child care providers get excited to include healthy eating and active living into their daily routines for the children that they care for.<\/p>\n

Beth enjoys serving local and state initiatives focused on enhancing young lives. Some of these include Kansas Area Sponsors United (KASU), Early Childhood Council of Reno County, Policy Council for Kansas State Department of Education, Child Nutrition and Wellness, Policy Council for Reno County Head Start and the Reno County Child Care Task Force.<\/p>\n

She looks forward to serving on the NCA Board of Directors beginning October 2023 and shares, “I am excited about working on the NCA Board because it is my desire that not one more child grows up with food insecurities. Having the opportunity to work on policies, trainings and promoting the CACFP on a national level will help to make that desire more of a reality.”<\/p>\n\t

Beth Carlton, CMP, CCNP<\/h3>\n

Treasurer<\/p>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBiography\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-5fd25e4776f55\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Beth Carlton, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"NCA Board Treasurer, Calendar & Nutrition Education Chair, Finance & Audit Chair, Nominations, Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Executive Director, Child Care Links
Hutchinson, KS<\/p>\n

Beth brings years of experience working with the CACFP as the Executive Director for Child Care Links Association in Hutchinson, Kansas. Child Care Links serves over 1,600 children as a sponsor of family day care homes and child care centers. They also serve the community by providing child care subsidies, work as a licensed Resource and Referral Agency and conduct required training for child care providers.<\/p>\n

Beth has a passion for making sure all children have access to quality child care and healthy meals and snacks believing children should have a knowledge of where their food comes from. She also enjoys the challenge of helping child care providers get excited to include healthy eating and active living into their daily routines for the children that they care for.<\/p>\n

Beth enjoys serving local and state initiatives focused on enhancing young lives. Some of these include Kansas Area Sponsors United (KASU), Early Childhood Council of Reno County, Policy Council for Kansas State Department of Education, Child Nutrition and Wellness, Policy Council for Reno County Head Start and the Reno County Child Care Task Force.<\/p>\n

She looks forward to serving on the NCA Board of Directors beginning October 2023 and shares, “I am excited about working on the NCA Board because it is my desire that not one more child grows up with food insecurities. Having the opportunity to work on policies, trainings and promoting the CACFP on a national level will help to make that desire more of a reality.”<\/p>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Denise\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-5ff899a4b0ea5\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Denise Andrews, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Immediate Past Chair, Calendar & Nutrition Education, Events, Governance, Finance & Audit<\/strong><\/p>\n

Director, For The Children
Vici, OK<\/p>\n

Denise Andrews joined the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) Board of Directors in 2017, where she has represented small sponsor membership while participating in the development of programs, activities, and policy positions.<\/p>\n

Denise Andrews is co-founder and Executive Director of For The Children CACFP (FTC) in Oklahoma, which was established in 2000. FTC is a non-profit CACFP Sponsor for licensed child care homes. CACFP is an indicator of quality child care.<\/p>\n

In her position at FTC, Denise strives to develop cooperative working relationships with other sponsors and child care providers and hopes to do the same at a national level. Denise started her career as a young child care provider in 1989, so she can easily understand and relate to their positions. She would like to build a bigger, stronger voice for not only the provider, but also the small CACFP Sponsor. Denise shares, “I plan to work towards encouraging good nutrition one child at a time. Investing in early childhood nutrition is a surefire strategy. The returns are incredibly high.”<\/p>\n

Denise enjoys spending time with her amazing husband, James, their four sons, four daughters-in-law and six grandchildren.<\/p>\n\t

Denise Andrews, CMP, CCNP<\/h3>\n

Immediate Past Chair<\/p>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBiography\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-5fd2608e072de\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Denise Andrews, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Immediate Past Chair, Calendar & Nutrition Education, Events, Governance, Finance & Audit<\/strong><\/p>\n

Director, For The Children
Vici, OK<\/p>\n

Denise Andrews joined the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) Board of Directors in 2017, where she has represented small sponsor membership while participating in the development of programs, activities, and policy positions.<\/p>\n

Denise Andrews is co-founder and Executive Director of For The Children CACFP (FTC) in Oklahoma, which was established in 2000. FTC is a non-profit CACFP Sponsor for licensed child care homes. CACFP is an indicator of quality child care.<\/p>\n

In her position at FTC, Denise strives to develop cooperative working relationships with other sponsors and child care providers and hopes to do the same at a national level. Denise started her career as a young child care provider in 1989, so she can easily understand and relate to their positions. She would like to build a bigger, stronger voice for not only the provider, but also the small CACFP Sponsor. Denise shares, “I plan to work towards encouraging good nutrition one child at a time. Investing in early childhood nutrition is a surefire strategy. The returns are incredibly high.”<\/p>\n

Denise enjoys spending time with her amazing husband, James, their four sons, four daughters-in-law and six grandchildren.<\/p>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Michelle\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-5ff89c0cdedea\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Michelle Buchanan, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Certification Chair, Nominations, Membership, Policy, Governance<\/strong><\/p>\n

FDCFP Director, Community Action of Southeastern West Virginia
Bluefield, WV<\/p>\n

Michelle has worked with CACFP for over 30 years. As Program Director of the Family Daycare Food Program at Community Action of Southeastern West Virginia (CASEWV), she has developed and implemented procedures and policies to meet and surpass expectations of the food program. The team at CASEWV works with family home child care operators and Head Start sites to ensure children in West Virginia have access to healthy foods. Through her position on the Board of Directors, Michelle commits to a partnership with other CACFP professionals in child care and to work as an advocate for the CACFP on all levels.<\/p>\n\t

Michelle Buchanan, CMP, CCNP<\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBiography\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-5fd266524070b\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Michelle Buchanan, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Certification Chair, Nominations, Membership, Policy, Governance<\/strong><\/p>\n

FDCFP Director, Community Action of Southeastern West Virginia
Bluefield, WV<\/p>\n

Michelle has worked with CACFP for over 30 years. As Program Director of the Family Daycare Food Program at Community Action of Southeastern West Virginia (CASEWV), she has developed and implemented procedures and policies to meet and surpass expectations of the food program. The team at CASEWV works with family home child care operators and Head Start sites to ensure children in West Virginia have access to healthy foods. Through her position on the Board of Directors, Michelle commits to a partnership with other CACFP professionals in child care and to work as an advocate for the CACFP on all levels.<\/p>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Rhonda\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-5ff8971ab3286\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Rhonda Kobylecky, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"<\/p>\n

Membership Chair, Nominations, Calendar & Nutrition Education, Certification, Scholarships<\/strong><\/p>\n

Director of Food Services, Acelero Learning
Las Vegas, NV<\/p>\n

Rhonda serves as the National Director of Food Services for a multi-state Head Start organization. Acelero Learning operates in four states and serves over 5,000 children. Additionally, Rhonda consults for Acelero’s sister program, Shine Implement, which consists of a multi-state partnership with Head Start programs across the nation, also currently serving over 5,000 children.<\/p>\n

Rhonda enjoys training and sharing her CACFP, SERV Safe and Head Start knowledge with others. Using her expertise and experience, Rhonda has conducted trainings throughout the states and at NCA Conferences, both in person and virtually.<\/p>\n

Having now served as both a Regional Representative and Board Member, Rhonda has found the experience to have, “really opened up my eyes to the many aspects of this field and the need to teach as many people as possible the importance of nutrition programs for children. Part of my own growth has been to take and complete training to get my CACFP Management Profession and CACFP Child Nutrition Professional Certifications.” As chair of the NCA Certification Committee, Rhonda is dedicated to seeing others receive recognition for their work and knowledge by getting their certification.<\/p>\n

With her experience, Rhonda hopes to continue to bring the voice of the CACFP Head Start participant to the board. Her desire is to use expertise in Head Start programs and regulations to support all the members of the NCA. While the goals of the family home care providers, center providers and Head Start providers are the same, the processes are different. As a member of the board, Rhonda hopes to broaden the base to be more inclusive of all programs that work toward increasing child nutrition goals and education.<\/p>\n

“I value the NCA’s role in providing technical assistance, training, and in being a national voice on matters that are very important and affect us all in our work with children and families. After all, we all have the same passion and same goal of healthy, well-nurtured children and families.”<\/p>\n\t

Rhonda Kobylecky, CMP, CCNP<\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBiography\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-5fd25f8b9a43b\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Rhonda Kobylecky, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"<\/p>\n

Membership Chair, Nominations, Calendar & Nutrition Education, Certification, Scholarships<\/strong><\/p>\n

Director of Food Services, Acelero Learning
Las Vegas, NV<\/p>\n

Rhonda serves as the National Director of Food Services for a multi-state Head Start organization. Acelero Learning operates in four states and serves over 5,000 children. Additionally, Rhonda consults for Acelero’s sister program, Shine Implement, which consists of a multi-state partnership with Head Start programs across the nation, also currently serving over 5,000 children.<\/p>\n

Rhonda enjoys training and sharing her CACFP, SERV Safe and Head Start knowledge with others. Using her expertise and experience, Rhonda has conducted trainings throughout the states and at NCA Conferences, both in person and virtually.<\/p>\n

Having now served as both a Regional Representative and Board Member, Rhonda has found the experience to have, “really opened up my eyes to the many aspects of this field and the need to teach as many people as possible the importance of nutrition programs for children. Part of my own growth has been to take and complete training to get my CACFP Management Profession and CACFP Child Nutrition Professional Certifications.” As chair of the NCA Certification Committee, Rhonda is dedicated to seeing others receive recognition for their work and knowledge by getting their certification.<\/p>\n

With her experience, Rhonda hopes to continue to bring the voice of the CACFP Head Start participant to the board. Her desire is to use expertise in Head Start programs and regulations to support all the members of the NCA. While the goals of the family home care providers, center providers and Head Start providers are the same, the processes are different. As a member of the board, Rhonda hopes to broaden the base to be more inclusive of all programs that work toward increasing child nutrition goals and education.<\/p>\n

“I value the NCA’s role in providing technical assistance, training, and in being a national voice on matters that are very important and affect us all in our work with children and families. After all, we all have the same passion and same goal of healthy, well-nurtured children and families.”<\/p>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Lisa\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-5ff895f8e209d\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Lisa Mack<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\u00a0\"\"BOD Elections & Nominations, Calendar & Nutrition Education, Certification, Events, Governance, Membership, Policy, Scholarships, Finance & Audit<\/strong><\/p>\n

President & CEO, National CACFP Association
Round Rock, TX<\/p>\n

Lisa Mack is\u00a0 responsible for\u00a0 developing and implementing the long-term operating plan to ensure the growth and success of the National CACFP Association. Central to that plan is managing member and partner relationships, resource and product development, and training and conference programming.<\/p>\n

Lisa previously served as the director of corporate communications for a food service software corporation where she was responsible for client communications and newsletters, user group conferences, and partnerships with industry organizations such as Second Harvest, Research Chefs Association, Women’s Foodservice Forum and the Society for the Advancement of Food Service Research.<\/p>\n

Lisa is a graduate of Pace University with a BBA.<\/p>\n\t

Lisa Mack<\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBiography\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-mb41lcuktoj6\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Lisa Mack<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\u00a0\"\"BOD Elections & Nominations, Calendar & Nutrition Education, Certification, Events, Governance, Membership, Policy, Scholarships, Finance & Audit<\/strong><\/p>\n

President & CEO, National CACFP Association
Round Rock, TX<\/p>\n

Lisa Mack is\u00a0 responsible for\u00a0 developing and implementing the long-term operating plan to ensure the growth and success of the National CACFP Association. Central to that plan is managing member and partner relationships, resource and product development, and training and conference programming.<\/p>\n

Lisa previously served as the director of corporate communications for a food service software corporation where she was responsible for client communications and newsletters, user group conferences, and partnerships with industry organizations such as Second Harvest, Research Chefs Association, Women’s Foodservice Forum and the Society for the Advancement of Food Service Research.<\/p>\n

Lisa is a graduate of Pace University with a BBA.<\/p>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Maves\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-cnt0e829dg17\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Maves Ranola, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Calendar & Nutrition Education, Events, Membership<\/strong><\/p>\n

Director of Nutrition, Lutheran Services Florida\u00a0
Lakeland, FL<\/p>\n

Maves Ranola has 17 years of experience in CACFP and is the Director of Nutrition for Lutheran Services Florida. Under her leadership, the organization sponsors 414 family child care homes, 27 centers, and four emergency shelters, serving thousands of children across the state.<\/p>\n

Maves is driven to strengthen CACFP and SFSP through advocacy, training, and engagement.<\/p>\n

As an NCA Board member, Maves shared “I want to advocate for increased funding and support to strengthen CACFP and SFSP programs, ensuring they can better serve participants. Expanding education and training opportunities is essential to equip providers with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed. Additionally, I aim to enhance member engagement, fostering a more connected and empowered community dedicated to improving child nutrition programs.”<\/p>\n\t

Maves Ranola, CMP, CCNP<\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBiography\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-dr1cqepk64xo\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Maves Ranola, CMP, CCNP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Calendar & Nutrition Education, Events, Membership<\/strong><\/p>\n

Director of Nutrition, Lutheran Services Florida\u00a0
Lakeland, FL<\/p>\n

Maves Ranola has 17 years of experience in CACFP and is the Director of Nutrition for Lutheran Services Florida. Under her leadership, the organization sponsors 414 family child care homes, 27 centers, and four emergency shelters, serving thousands of children across the state.<\/p>\n

Maves is driven to strengthen CACFP and SFSP through advocacy, training, and engagement.<\/p>\n

As an NCA Board member, Maves shared “I want to advocate for increased funding and support to strengthen CACFP and SFSP programs, ensuring they can better serve participants. Expanding education and training opportunities is essential to equip providers with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed. Additionally, I aim to enhance member engagement, fostering a more connected and empowered community dedicated to improving child nutrition programs.”<\/p>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Carrie\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-kfc7gdzntso1\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Carrie Sullivan, CMP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Events, Membership, Scholarships<\/strong><\/p>\n

Executive Director, Provider’s Network, Inc.\u00a0
Lincoln, Nebraska<\/p>\n

Carrie Sullivan brings 30 years of CACFP experience and serves as Executive Director of Provider’s Network, Inc., which sponsors 235 family child care homes serving nearly 2,000 children.<\/p>\n

Carrie is dedicated to improving CACFP regulations and advocating for fairness and efficiency across the program.<\/p>\n

As an NCA Board member, Carrie shared “I am committed to advocating for meaningful improvements to CACFP regulations to enhance the program’s efficiency and better serve participants. I also want to work toward eliminating Tier II so all providers receive Tier I reimbursement rates, ensuring more equitable support for those who need it most.”<\/p>\n\t

Carrie Sullivan, CMP<\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBiography\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-phw4fugd9t3l\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Carrie Sullivan, CMP<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"Events, Membership, Scholarships<\/strong><\/p>\n

Executive Director, Provider’s Network, Inc.\u00a0
Lincoln, Nebraska<\/p>\n

Carrie Sullivan brings 30 years of CACFP experience and serves as Executive Director of Provider’s Network, Inc., which sponsors 235 family child care homes serving nearly 2,000 children.<\/p>\n

Carrie is dedicated to improving CACFP regulations and advocating for fairness and efficiency across the program.<\/p>\n

As an NCA Board member, Carrie shared “I am committed to advocating for meaningful improvements to CACFP regulations to enhance the program’s efficiency and better serve participants. I also want to work toward eliminating Tier II so all providers receive Tier I reimbursement rates, ensuring more equitable support for those who need it most.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMeet the Team\n\t\t\t\t\"Lisa\n\t

Lisa Mack<\/strong>\u00a0is the President & CEO of NCA, responsible for working with the board of directors to develop and implement the long-term operating plan to ensure the growth and success of the National CACFP Sponsors Association. Central to that plan is managing member and partner relationships, resource and product development, and training and conference programming. Lisa previously served as the director of corporate communications for a food service software corporation where she was responsible for client communications and newsletters, user group conferences, and partnerships with industry organizations such as Second Harvest, Research Chefs Association, Women’s Foodservice Forum and the Society for the Advancement of Food Service Research. Lisa is a graduate of Pace University with a BBA.<\/p>\n

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible. ~\u00a0<\/em>Walt Disney<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Elizabeth\n\t

Elizabeth Sherman<\/strong> is the association’s Executive Director of Business Operations. She oversees the organization’s finances, membership, event registration, data and contact management, customer service, the certification program, and ensures the team has the tools, training, and resources they need to be successful. Elizabeth was a CACFP provider for several years in South Dakota before moving to Texas.\u00a0 Once her children were in school full time, she went back to continue her administrative professional career with the City of Round Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department before joining NCA in 2016.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nThere are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made. ~\u00a0<\/em>Michelle Obama\n\t\t\t\t\"Alexia\n\t

Alexia Thex\u00a0<\/strong>is our Vice President of Policy, Partnerships & Events, charged with leading NCA’s advocacy efforts and advancing the mission and interests of association members and stakeholders while forming long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with corporations and organizations that further the mission of NCA. Alexia also oversees NCA’s nutrition education and events that help support the success of the CACFP amongst CACFP stakeholders. Alexia utilizes her past experience in nonprofit management and development and community and corporate health and wellness to build capacity and garner support for the CACFP. She firmly believes that nutrition security is a right and is committed to expanding access and modernizing the program.\u00a0 Alexia holds a Master of Education in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Austin.<\/p>\n

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.\u00a0 It’s not<\/em>. ~ Dr. Seuss<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Lewis\n\tLewis Miller<\/strong> is our Director of Marketing & Events, responsible for strategic communications, brand management, events and member engagement. He previously spent over 12 years at The University of Texas at Austin, where he built, marketed and led continuing education programs for individuals and organizations. Lewis also worked at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, managing media and stakeholder engagement for the regional organization fostering cooperation among local, state and federal governments. Lewis holds a Master of Public Policy from George Mason University.\nNot everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. ~<\/em>\u00a0James Baldwin\n\t\t\t\t\"Jennifer\n\t

Jennifer Basey\u00a0<\/strong>has served in many roles for the association including membership, website, conference, sales, and education. Jennifer serves currently as our Certification Coordinator. Jennifer graduated from Texas A&M with a BA in business administration, then went on to obtain her Master of Education degree from Texas State University. Jennifer spent ten years in the education field as an elementary teacher and later on became an instructional coach working directly with teachers.<\/p>\n
\nNo act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. ~\u00a0<\/em>Aesop\n\t\t\t\t\"Laurie\n\t

Laurie McDonnell<\/strong> is the organization’s Accounting Assistant, with her primary responsibilities including processing accounts payable and tracking accounts receivables. She also tracks the monthly budget and prepares financial reports and documents for the association. With a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Virginia Tech, Laurie has worked in different marketing communications roles in a variety of different industries including window treatment, industrial gardening equipment and engineering software and hardware. Over the last few years, she has been very involved in her children’s schools and the PTA. This included 6 years as an executive officer; three of these years as budget coordinator and treasurer of an elementary school PTA.<\/p>\n

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream<\/em>. ~ C.S. Lewis<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Halley\n\t

Halley Ramirez<\/strong> is our Operations Coordinator, primarily responsible for contact management. She makes it possible to get education resources and policy information delivered directly to over 95,000 members of the CACFP community by ensuring information accuracy and integrity. Halley graduated from California State University of Bakersfield with a BA in Child, Adolescent, & Family Studies. Her career history includes administrative responsibilities coupled with team leadership. In addition, she also has employment and volunteer experiences with various childcare facilities.<\/p>\n

There is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift mankind a little higher. ~ Henry Van Dyke<\/em><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Chloe\n\t

Chloe Smith<\/strong> is our Senior Marketing Communications Specialist. She maintains NCA’s website, creates and sources content for publication online and in weekly eNews, produces segmented communications for members and marketing efforts, and develops showcase and education materials. Chloe previously worked in collegiate athletic communications and also served as the marketing coordinator for the indie video game Brukel<\/em>. She graduated from Central Arkansas with a BA in Mass Communications and earned her MS in Sport Management from Eastern Michigan.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time. ~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg<\/em><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Hannah\n\t

Hannah Morris<\/strong> is our Senior Event Specialist and is primarily responsible for planning the National Child Nutrition Conference. She organizes all aspects of the conference, including hotel logistics, volunteer opportunities, workshops, speakers, attendee experiences and assists with marketing the conferences. Hannah graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BS in Hospitality Management. She has planned events for various Marriott\/Hilton properties and assisted with multiple hotel openings. Hannah is a member of the National Association of Catering & Events, which provides ongoing education and access to a large network of event professionals.<\/p>\n

Today is your opportunity to build the tomorrow you want. ~\u00a0<\/em>Ken Poirot<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Isabel\n\t

Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD<\/strong> is our Senior Nutrition Education Specialist, whose primary function is to develop nutrition education materials & provide informational webinars on nutrition to support stronger program operations.\u00a0 She has a strong background & passion in working with low-income communities of various cultural backgrounds, while working on graduate research projects and working in the nonprofit, food banking environment for eight years. Isabel has an MS in Nutritional Sciences and is a registered dietitian and nutritionist. She believes that all children and adults should have access to balanced, nutritional foods to aid in childhood development and adult health in the long term.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Brittany\n\t

Brittany Uribe<\/strong> is our Senior Event Specialist, who is primarily responsible for planning and coordinating all webinars and virtual events, including those during the National Child Nutrition Conference. Brittany graduated from Florida State University with a BS in Family and Child Science. She began working for a CACFP sponsor in South Florida in 2013 and grew passionate about expanding CACFP training opportunities and educational resources.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"McKenzie\n\t

McKenzie Brunner<\/strong> is our Senior Policy and Outreach Specialist, responsible for tracking nutrition policy trends and legislation and serving as a subject matter expert for CACFP. She is also tasked with developing nonprofit partnerships and promoting collaboration among CACFP providers. McKenzie received her Master of Global Policy from the University of Texas at Austin. With a background in international development and foreign policy, McKenzie is passionate about increasing food security through promoting equitable policy and cross-sector collaboration.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Sarah\n\t

Sarah Hogestyn<\/strong> is our Membership and Registration Coordinator. She handles your inquiries regarding membership, event registration and other NCA questions. Sarah graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a BA in Theatre Arts, and in addition to her work with NCA, she is active in the Austin theatre community, where she works as a director and stage manager. Sarah’s career history includes extensive work in child care, as well as social media and quality assurance.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Georgie\n\t

Georgie Morell<\/strong> is our Partnership Specialist. She strategizes and implements outreach initiatives to enhance program participation and form community and corporate alliances. Prior to this role, Georgie spent 12 years in public education and brings over a decade of experience in instruction, partnerships and community engagement. She believes that when people work together, they can make great strides towards bringing nutrition security to all.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Melinda\nMelinda Nguyen, MS, RDN, LD<\/strong>, is our Nutrition Education Specialist. She shows her passion about nutrition education by developing creative ways to reinforce knowledge. She began her career in Massachusetts, getting her MS in Food and Nutrition from Framingham State University and a BS in Hospitality Management from University of Massachusetts-Amherst.\u00a0 She has worked at Head Start, planning meals for toddlers, then moved to Texas to work for Whole Foods Market as a Recipe Data Specialist before taking on a role with the State agency, where she applied a nutrition-focused perspective to regulations and policies in the federal nutrition programs.\n\t\t\t\t\"Blair\n\tBlair Munday<\/strong> is our Marketing Communications Specialist. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science and came to NCA with five years of marketing experience. With extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, Blair is passionate about making meaningful change and ensuring individuals and children are set up for successful, healthy futures. Through strategic marketing initiatives, Blair has helped organizations grow their reach and impact while fostering lasting connections with their communities.\n\t\t\t\t\"Lindsay\n\tLindsay Hanz i<\/strong>s our Event Coordinator. She graduated with a master’s in English with an emphasis in education from Grand Canyon University in 2022. Her background lies in event coordinating, customer service, education, and child development. Lindsay’s event coordinating experience ranges from large corporate events to hybrid and virtual events. She enjoys being able to bring people together so they can collaborate and share ideas to help better the world.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHistory\n\t\t

\n\t\tLeadership\n\t<\/h3>\n\t

In 1986, we started as a small, Midwestern association with these few founding members Gaylene Barstow (Nebraska), Thora Cahill (Illinois) Lucille Patterson (Colorado), Cheryl Flaatten (Iowa) and Valerie Cable (Kansas).<\/p>\n

We are now a more inclusive association, reaching friends in every state and Puerto Rico, across all seven USDA Regions. Thanks to our founders and\u00a0to all our members for\u00a0your support and faith in us throughout these years!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tPast Board Members<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

1986-1992\u00a0Gaylene Barstow<\/strong>, Provider’s Network, Inc., Lincoln, NE<\/p>\n

1986-1992\u00a0Valerie Cable<\/strong>, Day Care Connection, Lenexa, KS<\/p>\n

1986-2001\u00a0Lucy Patterson<\/strong>, Wildwood Resources, Inc., Centennial, CO<\/p>\n

1986-2005\u00a0Thora Cahill<\/strong>, Talavi Lane LLC, Phoenix, AZ<\/p>\n

1986-2011\u00a0Cheryl Flaatten<\/strong>, Community Action of SE Iowa, Burlington, IA<\/p>\n

1990-1996 &\u00a02005-2014\u00a0Paula Peirce<\/strong>, A Child’s Choice, Aurora, CO<\/p>\n

1990-1999 &\u00a02002-2016\u00a0Gail Birch<\/strong>, Providers Choice, Minnetonka, MN<\/p>\n

1991-1994\u00a0Pam Dean<\/strong>, Arapahoe County Senior Resources Division, Littleton, CO<\/p>\n

1991-1994\u00a0DonaKay Rein<\/strong>, Day Care Resources, Morton, IL<\/p>\n

1992-2001\u00a0Doris Vanek<\/strong>, Child Care Links, Hutchinson, KS<\/p>\n

1992-2002 &\u00a02012-2014\u00a0Shirleen Piela<\/strong>, Heartland Child Nutrition, Bismarck, ND<\/p>\n

1994-1999\u00a0Ron Herndon<\/strong>, Albina Head Start, Portland, OR<\/p>\n

1994-2000\u00a0Christie Bower<\/strong>, Midwest Child Care Association, Omaha, NE<\/p>\n

1996-1999 &\u00a02012-2017\u00a0Debra Ghia<\/strong>, Lehigh Valley Children’s Center, Allentown, PA<\/p>\n

1999-2001\u00a0Patti Johnston<\/strong>, Absolutely Nutritious, Inc., Destrehan, LA<\/p>\n

1999-2000 & 2016-2024 Annetta Rutland<\/strong>, 4C for Children, Cincinnati, OH<\/p>\n

1999-2011\u00a0Linda Leindecker<\/strong>, Horizons Unlimited, Inc., Greenbay, WI<\/p>\n

2000-2009 & 2012-2023 Robin Paul<\/strong>, Mid Michigan Child Care Centers, Inc., Freeland, MI<\/p>\n

2001-2002\u00a0Sheilah Mevis<\/strong>, Child Care Partnerships, Helena, MT<\/p>\n

2001-2005 & 2008-2022 Vicki Lipscomb<\/strong>, Child Nutrition Program, Charlotte, NC<\/p>\n

2001-2007 & 2010-2024\u00a0 Blake Stanford<\/strong>, Southwest Human Development, Austin, TX<\/p>\n

2001-2006\u00a0Diane Zwick<\/strong>, Ashland Child Development Center, Ashland, KY<\/p>\n

2002-2005\u00a0Sandra Frantz-Kloppedal<\/strong>, WI Early Childhood Association, Madison, WI<\/p>\n

2004-2010\u00a0Sharon Ray<\/strong>, Nutriservice, Inc., Rockwall, TX<\/p>\n

2007-2009\u00a0Yolanda Keys<\/strong>, Food for Kids, Inc., Bellaire, TX<\/p>\n

2009-2019\u00a0Senta Hester<\/strong>, Our Daily Bread of Tennessee, Inc., Knoxville, TN<\/p>\n

2010-2013\u00a0Mary Rice<\/strong>, Association for Child Development, East Lansing, MI<\/p>\n

2010\u00a0\u00a0Suzanne Zanella<\/strong>, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh , PA<\/p>\n

2011\u00a0\u00a0Rita Kidwell<\/strong>, Joyce Network, Inc., Fountaintown, IN<\/p>\n

2012-2022 Kati Wagner<\/strong>, Wildwood CACFP, Centennial, CO<\/p>\n

2014-2017\u00a0Patrice Siergiey<\/strong>, Central Vermont Community Action Council, Barre, VT<\/p>\n

2016-2023 Melissa Moore<\/strong>, The Family League of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD<\/p>\n

2016-present Rhonda Kobylecky<\/strong>, Acelero Learning, Las Vegas, NV<\/p>\n

2017-present\u00a0Denise Andrews<\/strong>, For The Children, Vici, OK<\/p>\n

2018-2021, 2022-2024 Susan Ison<\/strong>, Helping Hands, Inc., Taylorsville, UT<\/p>\n

2019-2024 Gabriela Rangel<\/strong>, Child & Family Resources, Tuscon, AZ<\/p>\n

2020-present Alix Pasillas<\/strong>, Food For Kids, Inc., Reno NV<\/p>\n

2021-present Deborah Gillison-Wilson<\/strong>, Georgia Nutritional Services, Inc., Conyers, GA<\/p>\n

2022-present Lisa Mack<\/strong>, National CACFP Sponsors Association, Round Rock, TX<\/p>\n

2022-2023 Jami Lee-Rokala<\/strong>, Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Crookston, MN<\/p>\n

2023-present Kate Abernathy<\/strong>, Providers Choice, Minneapolis, MN<\/p>\n

2023-present Beth Carlton<\/strong>, Child Care Links, Hutchinson, KS<\/p>\n

2023-2024 Sarah McAleavy<\/strong>, Frederick Community Action Agency, Frederick, MD<\/p>\n

2024-present Michelle Buchanan<\/strong>,\u00a0 Community Action of Southeastern West Virginia, Bluefield, WV<\/p>\n

2025-present Maves Ranola<\/strong>, Lutheran Services Florida, Lakeland, FL<\/p>\n

2025-present Carrie Sullivan<\/strong>, Provider’s Network, Inc., Lincoln, NE<\/p>\n\t\t

\n\t\tFriend of CACFP Award\n\t<\/h3>\n\t

The National CACFP Sponsors Association Friend of CACFP Award honors and recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting and improving the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) through leadership and initiative. Individuals awarded have made significant and demonstrable contributions to the CACFP through advocacy, legislation, education or professional endeavors that exemplify a positive impact or advancement of the program.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2025 Congressman Greg Landsman, Ohio<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\nRepresentative Greg Landsman is a father and husband who is proud to call Southwest
\nOhio home. Before joining the U.S. House of Representatives in 2023, Greg served on the Cincinnati City Council for five years where he led investments in public safety and core services. Greg has spent his entire career advocating for children and families, especially those most marginalized.\n

 <\/p>\n

“We are facing a childcare crisis in this country, and we need commonsense leadership and solutions to address these challenges. The National CACFP Association is doing remarkable work to improve children’s lives and outcomes, and I’m honored to partner with all of you on legislative solutions that will invest real dollars to help child care providers remain open, while improving the meals served to children every single day.”<\/p>\n

Prior to his time in elected office, Greg was a public school teacher and worked in education advocacy as the Executive Director of the Strive Partnership. Greg also worked under former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, where he led Ohio’s efforts to help local churches and synagogues provide education and food programs in their communities. In 2016, Greg led a successful ballot measure to pass the Cincinnati Preschool Promise, a program which provides two years of quality preschool education for every three- and four-year-old in Cincinnati.<\/p>\n

We thank Congressman Landsman for his work in Congress to improve the CACFP and are thrilled to honor him with the Friend of CACFP Award.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2024 Congressman Marc Molinaro, New York<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n

Since joining the United States House of Representatives in 2023, Congressman Molinaro have proven to be a champion of child nutrition, pushing forward legislation to address child hunger. Most notably, he was instrumental in the bi-partisan introduction of the Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act of 2023, which aims to improve the CACFP, support child care providers, and ensure that millions of children receive the nutritious meals they need to be happy and healthy. His work on a National CACFP Week resolution has helped to bring awareness to the vital role the CACFP plays in reducing food insecurity and increasing nutrition security.<\/p>\n

“The CACFP plays a vital role in fighting childhood hunger, and I’m proud to advocate for such a critical program in Congress. As a member of the Pre-K and Child Care Caucus, I introduced the Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act, a bipartisan bill that expands the CACFP to adequately feed children in care facilities and makes it easier for more providers to participate in this program. Our nation’s children should not have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, and I am proud to support this program.”<\/p>\n

Congressman Molinaro began his career in public service in 1994 at the age of 18, when he was first elected to serve on the Village of Tivoli Board of Trustees. In 1995, he was elected Mayor of Tivoli, becoming the youngest mayor in America and was re-elected to this position five times. He continued to serve Dutchess County through 2023, when he was elected to serve as the U.S. Representative for New York’s 19th congressional district.<\/p>\n

We thank Congressman Molinaro for his work in Congress to improve the CACFP and are thrilled to honor him with the Friend of CACFP Award.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2023 USDA Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Deputy Under Secretary Stacy Dean<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n

Stacy Dean listens to stakeholders and is open to finding and implementing solutions that will work. She recognizes that child nutrition programs play a key role in improving child health and that participation in the USDA CACFP supports nutrition security in our youngest and most vulnerable population and in older adults.<\/p>\n

Most recently, Ms. Dean was instrumental in working with Congress on the “Keep Kids Fed Act” legislation, which was crucial for CACFP providers and sponsoring organizations as they continue to economically recover from the impact of the pandemic. The temporary increase in reimbursement for CACFP meals and supplements, as well as extension of the area eligibility waiver for struggling family child care homes, provides an impactful lifeline to a child care industry that is in crisis.<\/p>\n

Ms. Dean understands that child nutrition programs do not operate in a vacuum. She recognizes the importance of going beyond food insecurity and ensuring that children receive meals that contribute to nutrition security. She discerns the significance of equitable food systems and equitable solutions, and the impact that child nutrition programs could have on other areas, such as child care, climate change and food waste.<\/p>\n

We thank Stacy Dean for her role in strengthening the CACFP, and are pleased to honor her with the Friend of CACFP Award.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2022 USDA Food and Nutrition Service Administrator Cindy Long<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n

We are pleased to present the award this year to the Administrator of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Cindy Long, for her work with the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act, her support of the much-needed flexibilities during the nationwide COVID-19 pandemic, and her years of dedication to improvements in the CACFP and all other child nutrition programs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In September of 2021, Ms. Long was appointed Administrator for the Food and Nutrition Service. She most recently served as Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Acting Administrator, and has had extensive experience with FNS, including serving as Deputy Administrator for Child Nutrition Programs. In this role, she led FNS’ implementation of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act, the most significant restructuring of these programs in decades and a legislative centerpiece of the Obama-Biden Administration’s nutrition initiatives. Previously, she held various other program management and research positions in FNS.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2021 Congressman David Trone, Maryland<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n

This past year, US Congressional Representative David Trone introduced the Food and Nutrition Provider Emergency Support Act of 2020 that legislated emergency funding to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a federal program that provides nutritious meals to qualifying children and adults. This legislation was crucial in keeping child care providers and sponsoring organizations in business so they could continue to do their work in fighting food insecurity during the pandemic.<\/p>\n

As Representative Trone stated, “During the COVID-19 outbreak, the CACFP has provided critical nutrition and meal support to childcare centers and afterschool programs, children and adult day care centers, and children residing in emergency shelters. At a time when many children and adults rely on meals and snacks from these programs, additional funding is necessary so participating institutions and sponsors implementing CACFP can continue feeding children in need. Many schools are also using this program to provide dinner for children who are out of school during this unprecedented public health crisis. No child or adult should wonder where their next meal is coming from, especially during a global pandemic that has threatened the physical, mental, and economic health of our nation.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2020 Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Oregon<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"Congresswoman<\/a>Since beginning her service to the US Congress in 2012, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici has focused on Child Nutrition Reauthorization for the CACFP, strengthening public education, equity in education, policy and funding to support student success, and co-founding the bi-partisan Congressional STEAM Caucus. Congresswoman Bonamici currently serves as a leader on the Education and Labor committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services. In Congress, she is fighting for an equitable economy that gives everyone the opportunity to succeed. In 2015, Congresswoman Bonamici introduced The Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act for CNR and is again dedicating her time to what will best benefit the children and the food program. Her approach has been refreshingly straight forward and includes many no cost additions to CNR with a remarkable knowledge of the CACFP.<\/p>\n

The National CACFP Sponsors Association Friend of CACFP Award honors and recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting and improving the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) through leadership and initiative. We are pleased to present the award this year to Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. We appreciate Congresswoman Bonamici’s diligent work to expand and protect child nutrition programs in our country. We recognize the challenges she has undertaken to push for changes in hunger relief programs and food security for our nation’s children and elderly. We honor her with the 2020 Friend of CACFP Award.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2019 Congressman Robert “Bobby” Scott, Virginia<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\u200b\"CongressmanThe National CACFP Sponsors Association’s (NCA) Friend of CACFP Award honors and recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting and improving the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) through leadership and initiative.<\/p>\n

Congressman Scott has represented Virginia’s third congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1993 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor. Most recently, Congressman Scott sponsored the bill for improved quality child care access with CACFP support, known as the Comprehensive Child Care and Early Learning Bill to Ensure Child Care for All. Prior to his service in Congress, he served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1978 to 1983 and in the Senate of Virginia from 1983 to 1993.<\/p>\n

NCA appreciates Congressman Scott’s diligent, lifetime work to expand and protect child nutrition programs in our country. We recognize the challenges he has undertaken to push for changes in hunger relief programs and food security for our nation’s children and elderly. We thank Congressman Scott for his work and honor him with the 2019 Friend of CACFP Award.<\/p>\n

Acceptance Video<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2018 Representative Jim McGovern, Massachusetts<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"Representative<\/a>The National CACFP Sponsors Association Friend of CACFP Award honors and recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting and improving the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program through leadership, initiative, advocacy, legislation, education or professional endeavors that exemplify a positive impact or advancement of the program.<\/p>\n

As co-chair of the House Hunger Caucus and Chairman of the Board of the nonprofit Congressional Hunger Center, Representative McGovern leads the movement to guarantee what he considers to be a fundamental human right: the right to food. As an advocate, Representative McGovern has pushed for changes to foreign aid and hunger relief programs, proposed establishing a “hunger czar position” to take on food issues and hopes to reframe the discussion by convening a conference on food, nutrition, and hunger. His vision is to gather key players from agencies and NGOs, chefs, nutritionists, teachers, and advocates, to put together a road map to fight hunger.<\/p>\n

Representative McGovern understands the connection between poverty, hunger and health as the ranking Democrat on the Nutrition Subcommittee, “Hunger in the US is a political decision. There are many problems that I don’t know how to solve-this is a solvable problem.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2017 Gail Birch, CEO Provider’s Choice, Minnesota<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"GailThe care, development and health of children has been Gail’s focus for over thirty years, 25 of them as CEO of Providers Choice, a company with annual revenues of over $24,000,000, which she founded in 1985.<\/p>\n

Providers Choice (PCI) represents 5000 Family Child Care Providers and Centers serving 52,000 children. PCI’s mission is to insure the health and wellbeing of children in day care, to stretch and support caregivers and to promote childcare as a profession.<\/p>\n

Gail has been a catalyst in growing Providers Choice to become the largest CACFP sponsor in the United States. She is leading the charge against childhood obesity with innovative training in Nutrition most recently implementing Health and Wellness in the Day Care setting and bringing in local chefs to create a nutrition program that can be a model nationwide.<\/p>\n

Gail served on the National CACFP Sponsors Association board from 1990 to 1999 and as President from 1995 to 1998. After taking a break from the board Gail was re-elected to the board in 2002 and served a second term as President from 2004 to 2007. She also served as Secretary from 2010-2013 and has served as Website Chair since 2005.<\/p>\n

Over the years Gail has served on many committees and task forces. She was invited to the White House by President Clinton to participate in the first White House Conference on Child Care, she served on the USDA 5-star Child Nutrition Task Force, and the USDA Paperwork Reduction Task Force.<\/p>\n

The Sales and Marketing Executive of Minneapolis awarded Gail the Women in Business Career Achievement Award in 1994.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2016 Senator Bob Casey, Pennsylvania<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"Senator<\/a>The National CACFP Sponsors Association Friend of CACFP Award honors and recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting and improving the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program through leadership, initiative, advocacy, legislation, education or professional endeavors that exemplify a positive impact or advancement of the program. Senator Casey is a nationally recognized advocate for children. Senator Casey has been a strong advocate for SNAP and other nutritional programs and most recently introduced and sponsored Senate bill 1833 – Access to Healthy Food for Young Children Act. Born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Bob Casey graduated from The College of the Holy Cross in 1982 and spent the following year teaching fifth grade and coaching eighth grade basketball in inner city Philadelphia for the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. He received his law degree from Catholic University in 1988 and entered the practice of law in Scranton.<\/p>\n

Watch Senator Casey’s Acceptance Speech<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2015 Representative Marcia Fudge, Ohio<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"Representative<\/a>The 2015 recipient of the Friend of CACFP Award, Congresswoman Fudge is a committed public servant who brings a hard-working, problem-solving spirit to Congress and to the task of protecting safety net programs, and improving access to child nutrition programs and healthy foods.<\/p>\n

First elected in 2008, she represents the people of the 11th Congressional District of Ohio. Congresswoman Fudge has served the people of Ohio for more than two decades, beginning with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office. She was the first African American and the first female mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio. Congresswoman Fudge serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce which is charged with legislation for CACFP and all child nutrition programs. She is the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education.<\/p>\n

Congresswoman Fudge consistently fights for equitable access to a quality education from preschool through post-secondary programs, child nutrition, food stamp (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients, for access to locally grown, healthy foods. Congresswoman Fudge’s work ethic, problem solving approach, and ability to build collaborative relationships has earned her a reputation among her colleagues in Washington and at home as an insightful leader and knowledgeable legislator. NCA is proud to honor Congress Marcia L. Fudge for her support of CACFP.<\/p>\n

Watch Representative Marcia Fudge’s acceptance speech<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2014 Senator Debbie Stabenow, Michigan<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"Senator<\/a>The National CACFP Sponsors Association Friend of CACFP Award honors and recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting and improving the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program through leadership, initiative, advocacy, legislation, education or professional endeavors that exemplify a positive impact or advancement of the program.<\/p>\n

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan is a prominent national leader known for her ability to build coalitions to get things done for our country. She serves as Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, and as a senior member of the Finance, Energy and Budget Committees, giving her a\u00a0 powerful and unique role to play in shaping our nation’s manufacturing, agriculture, health care and energy policies, so critical to our future. She is a strong advocate for food programs, and supported the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which improved the quality of meals available and provided better access to nutrition for children in schools and at day cares. She also sponsored the AFTERSchool Meals Act to expand afterschool meal programs to all 50 states. Her 2014 Farm Bill, which expands access to local healthy foods and support for community gardens, was recently signed into law and will help families put more healthy, fresh and local foods on their kitchen tables. She is a true champion for food and nutrition.<\/p>\n

The 2014 Friend of CACFP award is being presented to Senator Stabenow for her tireless efforts to improve the lives of America’s children, for her leadership in the passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, and her efforts to set new nutrition standards for all meals served in the CACFP.<\/p>\n

Watch the Senator’s Video Acceptance<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2013 Senator Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"Senator<\/a>The National CACFP Sponsors Association Friend of CACFP Award honors and recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting and improving the USDA Child and Adult Care Food through leadership and initiative. Individuals awarded have made significant and demonstrable contributions to the CACFP through advocacy, legislations, education or professional endeavors that exemplify a positive impact or advancement of the program.<\/p>\n

The 2013 Friend of CACFP award is presented to Senator Amy Klobuchar for her tireless efforts to improve the lives of America’s children, for her leadership in the passage of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids act and her efforts to set new nutrition standards for all meals served in the CACFP.<\/p>\n

In 2006, Amy Klobuchar became the first woman elected to represent the State of Minnesota in the United States Senate. Throughout her public service – both as chief prosecutor in the state’s largest county and now as a U.S. Senator – Amy has been guided by the values she learned growing up in Minnesota.<\/p>\n

Before being elected to public office, she was the leading advocate for successful passage of one of the first laws in the country guaranteeing 48-hour hospital stays for new moms and their babies.<\/p>\n

Her work has gained national recognition. Working Mother Magazine named her as a 2008 “Best in Congress” for her efforts on behalf of working families. The American Prospect named her a “woman to watch.” The Star Tribune reported on her substantial progress, calling her “a fast-moving legislator.”<\/p>\n

NCA is proud to present this award to Senator Klobuchar who is truly a Friend of the CACFP and all of America’s children.<\/p>\n

Watch Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Acceptance Speech!<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2012 Cheryl Flaatten, Founder National CACFP Sponsors Association<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"CherylCheryl started her career in child nutrition in 1975 after she received her degree in Early Childhood Development and was hired as the Director of a child care center participating on the CACFP. This is where her passion for child nutrition flourished leading to her long and distinguished career. In 1979 she started working in Burlington, IA with Community Action of Southeast Iowa, where she sponsored home providers on the CACFP.\u00a0 The agency has grown to now sponsoring 82% of area eligible home providers and two centers in her three decade’s with Community Action.<\/p>\n

In 1984 she received an invitation to attend a meeting with other like-minded Sponsors who wanted support to improve child care nutrition practices. After a couple of years of discussion and brain storming this group created the Midwest Child and Adult Care Food Program Sponsors’ Association.\u00a0 Although The Sponsors’ Association initially started in the midwest, Cheryl’s support along with the other founding members made it possible to help Sponsors of homes and centers all over the country by forming the The National CACFP Sponsors’ Association.<\/p>\n

Cheryl’s accomplishments are vast and in a variety of different areas. She has said that working for Community Action of Southeast Iowa has allowed her to “wear many hats.” Her CACFP Director duties include managing the budget, leading group trainings for providers, creating menu and physical activities for children, and writing newsletters for parents and providers.\u00a0 She also manages a Family Support Home Visitation program and provides nutrition information and trainings for parents.<\/p>\n

Her day- to-day activities are busy enough but she also has served on numerous committees as well. She has served on the Board of Directors as Secretary, Membership Chair and Conference Coordinator.\u00a0 She made sure the annual conference location was convenient and affordable; the speakers were informative and engaging; and of course planned yummy meals and networking receptions.\u00a0 Despite all the hard work she enjoys the conferences because “it brings Sponsor’s together and connects the CACFP community.” In 2012 when she no longer was responsible for planning the conference and was able to enjoy it as a participant she was recognized for all her hard work and dedication to the Sponsors’ Association by receiving the National CACFP Sponsors Association Friend of CACFP Award. “It was exciting to get recognized for something I have been passionate about my whole life,” said Cheryl.<\/p>\n

As a Board Member she has always fought for the smaller Sponsors to make sure they got the training and support they needed to be successful. While at conferences or at board meetings the information Cheryl learned would always make it back to Iowa where she shared it with the other Sponsors in her state.<\/p>\n

When asked her favorite aspects of the job Cheryl said, “It’s when the light goes on for the children and they develop healthy life long healthy eating habits; being able to help all families receive nutritious meals and snacks for their children when they are away from home; seeing providers who have been on the program for 15-20 years trying new recipes; and best of all, watching children engage in trying in new foods.”<\/p>\n

Cheryl believes “nutrition is the key to building strong families,” and because of her years of outstanding service, there are many strong families not only in Iowa but all over the country.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t1996-2011<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

2011 Gaylene Barstow<\/p>\n

2010 Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York<\/p>\n

2005 Thora\u00a0Cahill<\/p>\n

2003 Carolyn Brown & CA State Agencies<\/p>\n

2002 Congressman Dale Kildee, Michigan<\/p>\n

2001 Stan Garnett, USDA<\/p>\n

2000 Ed Morawitz, USDA<\/p>\n

1999 Shirley Watkins, USDA<\/p>\n

1998 Geri Henchy, FRAC<\/p>\n

1997 Ed Cooney, FRAC & USDA<\/p>\n

1996 Senator Richard Luger, Indiana<\/p>\n\t\t

\n\t\tFriend of SFSP Award\n\t<\/h3>\n\t

The National CACFP\u00a0 Association Friend of SFSP Award honors and recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting and improving the USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) through leadership and initiative. Individuals awarded have made significant and demonstrable contributions to the SFSP through advocacy, legislation, education or professional endeavors that exemplify a positive impact or advancement of the program.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t2021 Senator John Boozman, Arkansas<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n

For many years, Senator John Boozman led efforts to improve United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) child nutrition programs by helping to provide flexibility for school districts and community partners in an effort to reach children in rural areas and help them get the nutrition they need when school is out of session for the summer. Senator Boozman sponsored and introduced The Hunger Free Summer Kids Act, legislation that would provide states with two additional options for addressing child hunger during the summer: authorizing Electronic Benefit Transfer and allowing states flexibility in choosing the priorities for their communities.<\/p>\n

As a co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, Senator Boozman has championed initiatives and policies to combat hunger in the United States and across the world including the Global Food Security Act of 2016 and the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2017. These legislative packages helped provide the resources and tools necessary to effectively fight hunger worldwide and strengthen food programs such as Feed the Future.<\/p>\n\t\t

\n\t\tLifetime Achievement Award\n\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\tBlake Stanford, April 2024<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"A native Texan, Mr. Stanford has served as the President and Chairman of the Board of Southwest Human Development Services Corpora\udbc0\udc01on since its founding in 1985. This CACFP opera\udbc0\udc01on is the largest family day home sponsor in Texas and one of the largest in the United States. Mr. Stanford founded the organization after a brief stint at the Texas Department of Human Services, where he conducted administrative reviews for USDA’s Summer Food Service Program and the National School Lunch Program.<\/p>\nMr. Stanford graduated from Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas in 1981 with a bachelor of science degree in social sciences, majoring in political science and economics, and a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish. From 1982 to 1984 he studied at the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public A\ufb00airs at The University of Texas at Aus\udbc0\udc01n.
\nMr. Stanford is a seasoned community leader with a history of community involvement on local, state, and national levels. He believes in connecting people, in community building, and in the constructive resolution of community challenges.\n

His history of community service has included serving as chairman for international programs and as a director of the North Austin Rotary Club, President of the Highland Park Elementary PTA, board member of the Highland Park West Balcones Neighborhood Association and board member of the Shade Project, a local non-pro\ufb01t dedicated to skin cancer prevention. He also served as President of the Association of Southwestern University Alumni from 2012 to 2014. At Southwestern, he was a member of Kappa Sigma and currently serves as the president and chairman of the chapter’s alumni association and housing corporation. Other community board service includes as a Board Member of the Bandera Canyonlands Alliance, a nature conservation association, Board of Trustee for Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas and a Board member for the Paramount and State Theaters, Austin Texas.<\/p>\n

Mr. Stanford’s involvement with NCA began in October 2002 when he was elected to the Board of Directors of the Association (formerly The Sponsors Association) and began his term as Treasurer of the Association. Mr. Stanford served as Association President for three terms, and later as Chairman of the Board and Past Board Chair un\udbc0\udc01l September 2024. In addition to his NCA service for CACFP, he has served as President and Treasurer of the Texas CACFP Sponsors’ Association, and was a founder of the Southwest Region CACFP Sponsors Association.<\/p>\n

During his initial tenure as Treasurer, Mr. Stanford’s e\ufb00orts to provide \ufb01nancial resources to the association through the marketing and sale of program materials increased the opera\udbc0\udc01ng reserves from $10,000 to $300,000. This capitalization allowed the association to hire professional sta\ufb00 in 2012 and in that year, as President of the Association, Mr. Stanford hired the \ufb01rst dedicated employee of the Association, Lisa Mack. This e\ufb00ort paid dividends as the Association began to expand the outreach of the Association to underserved CACFP operators in At-Risk A\udbc0\udc02er School, Head Start, and the Summer Food Service Program. Membership and conference participation increased four-fold in the ensuing years, and the Association added sta\ufb00 to accommodate and drive growth and success.<\/p>\n

During his time with NCA, Mr. Stanford’s enthusiasm for service focused on board talent recruitment and board development. Under his leadership tenure and with Board support, and working closely with Association manager Lisa Mack and her sta\ufb00, the Association built a successful partnership with USDA to provide direct federal training and educational programs of the Association at the annual conference and online. Additional programmatic successes included the rebranding of the Association to its current name, development of non-pro\ufb01t and corporate sponsor partnerships, creation and program accreditation avenue for operators, development of policy and political advocacy sta\ufb00, strengthened board governance practices, and increased educational resources for Program operators.<\/p>\n

Mr. Stanford’s continued passion and dedication to the Association as a volunteer exempli\ufb01es the spirit of the Association in building management competency by providing fellow CACFP operators with the educational tools, skills and support to manage e\ufb00ective child nutrition programs. His driving philosophy is that sharing our program knowledge is critical to sustaining the compliance and integrity of the Program for years to come.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tRobin Paul, April 2023<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\"\"<\/p>\n

The\u00a0National CACFP Sponsors Association\u00a0(NCA) is honored to present Robin A. Paul with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding vision, dedication, and commitment to the advancement of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) community. For almost fifty years, Robin has dedicated her time, talent, and passion to the CACFP and the children and child care professionals of the Mid-Michigan area.<\/p>\n

In 1976, Robin started her child care career as an aide in a day care center under Mid-Michigan Child Care Centers. She then moved on to running transportation, caring for 750 children on daily routes throughout the tri-city area. Learning on the job how to handle unique situations and challenging, timely problems, she quickly transitioned into a role of oversight when the corporation became a food program sponsor for the Department of Education. When the CEO retired, Robin became both CEO and director for the childcare centers and the food program. Under her leadership, Mid-Michigan Child Care Centers has been listed as being in the top 50 child care organizations nationally.<\/p>\n

Simultaneously, Robin has made a tremendous impact in the greater CACFP community by volunteering her time as a leader for NCA. She has served on the Board of Directors for 20 years, serving on the executive team and as chair of the Scholarship, CACFP Week, Membership, and Nominations committees.<\/p>\n

It is an understatement to say that Robin understands the importance of the CACFP in the community. Robin enjoys being on the forefront of change and advocacy for the food program and working with her staff in Michigan and the tight-knit CACFP community. Her greatest joy in child care is “working with people in the homes and centers and being able to educate the providers to get the right meals for kids.”<\/p>\n

Blake Stanford, NCA Board Chair, noted that, “Robin has always stepped up when asked to go the extra mile; for her family, for her friends, for her employees, for her state and for NCA. Robin never shied away from meeting with elected officials or others to advance the CACFP. Her contributions to the association are numerous and she has been a force in propelling the association to its current success.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tStanley Garnett,\u00a0September 2007<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t

It was with great pride that the National CACFP Sponsors Association presented our first ever Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Stanley Garnett, Director of USDA’s Child Nutrition offices in Washington, D.C. Stan retired\u00a0in early in January 2008 after an illustrious career in the field of child nutrition and assistance to the under privileged.<\/p>\n

Here\u00a0is our celebration of the\u00a0event.<\/em><\/p>\n

Stan has a long history of service to youth and the poor. After teaching for several years he responded to President Kennedy’s challenge, “Ask not, what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country,” by joining the Peace Corps and serving in the Philippines. After his tour with the Peace Corps was complete he joined Catholic Relief Services and went to Vietnam where he provided food for refugees from the war. His next posting was in East Africa and he spent a couple of years in Nairobi, working at a regional office distributing food commodities to schools, hospitals, and other similar institutions. While there he was asked to assist the International Red Cross with refugee feeding during the Biafran conflict in Nigeria, West Africa. He ended his service in Africa with a posting to Ghana where again he was involved with providing feeding programs for children.<\/p>\n

In 1971, Stan, now married with a family, decided it was time to return to the States. He applied to the Food & Nutrition Service and from several jobs that were offered to him, chose one in Washington, D.C. The rest, as they say, is history.<\/p>\n

During these past 36 years Stan has worked with the Child Nutrition Programs, working his way up through policy and regulation positions, and becoming Director of the Child Nutrition Office in 1997. To those that know him in Washington, he is known for his good cheer, his encyclopedic knowledge of child nutrition programs, and his patient but tireless pursuit of program changes that would allow more children to receive the programs benefits.<\/p>\n

Stan has worked to positively influence the problem of obesity in children by addressing the challenges schools face to provide nutritious meals that children will actually consume within the current fast food environment taking into consideration the economic pressures that school districts face.<\/p>\n

Stan’s mission seems to have always been about improving the health and nutritional status of children both here and around the world. His long tenure has provided him the insight, prospective and experience to understand and influence legislative initiatives through the years and to have built up working relationships with cooperators at the state and federal level.<\/p>\n

The history of Stan’s career is but a small part of the story. Stan’s commitment to public service and, more particularly, to children, speak volumes about who Stan is. Stan is always collected and reassuring even in the midst of crises. He is also a very skilled mediator; able to help others find common ground although they may come from highly divergent backgrounds. Those skills have been absolutely critical during the last 10 years as child nutrition programs have more and more become targets of budget cutting factions. Stan is ever cheerful and positive, even in times of policy disagreement.<\/p>\n

So it is appropriate then, that the person who has been instrumental in helping to develop and nurture the child nutrition programs we have today, as well as the person who helped protect many of them from even more severe cutbacks in recent years, is the recipient of TSA’s first ever CACFP Sponsor’s Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Stan is truly deserving of this honor and will be missed when he leaves his post in January. But we wish him the very best and hope he enjoys his well earned retirement.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Bylaws\"\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n

National CACFP Association Bylaws<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\n

\n\t\tOrganizational Timeline\n\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\"Org\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Since 1986, the National CACFP Association (NCA) has been a leading national organization offering support to thousands within the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) community. Our core mission is to provide advocacy, education and resources for everyone involved in administering, operating and participating in USDA’s child nutrition programs. 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