March 22, 2026
Mr. Boozman (for himself and Ms. Smith) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
Designating the third week of March 2026 as National CACFP Week
.
Whereas the third week of March is annually recognized as National CACFP Week
to raise awareness of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (referred to in this preamble as the CACFP
) of the Department of Agriculture;
Whereas the Department of Agriculture has reaffirmed—
(1)
the vital role positive nutrition habits play in the healthy growth of children in the United States; and
(2)
the importance of nutrition education for the most vulnerable and youngest children, as well as adults, through centers and homes throughout the United States;
Whereas, in 2025, the CACFP provided daily meals and snacks to more than 4,500,000 children in child care centers, family day care homes, emergency shelters, and after-school programs, and more than 120,000 adults in adult day care, providing almost 1,700,000,000 meals and snacks in total;
Whereas the CACFP not only provides nutritious meals and education but also increases the overall quality of child care in general, especially for children in low-income areas;
Whereas the innovative approach to oversight of the CACFP, which pairs child care, adult day care, and after-school sites with a non-profit sponsoring organization or a State agency, highlights a unique public-private partnership that supports working families and small businesses;
Whereas, although child care can be expensive in many locations throughout the United States, the CACFP increases the effectiveness and viability of child and adult care small businesses for many providers, especially in rural areas; and
Whereas an increasing number of studies demonstrate that access to the CACFP can measurably and positively impact the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical health and development of children, leading to more favorable outcomes, such as—
(1)
a decreased likelihood of being hospitalized;
(2)
an increased likelihood of healthy weight gain; and
(3)
an increased likelihood of a more varied diet: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
(1)
designates the week beginning on March 15, 2026, as National CACFP Week
; and
(2)
recognizes the role of the Child and Adult Care Food Program in improving the health of the most vulnerable children and adults in child care centers, family day care homes, emergency shelters, adult day care facilities, and after school care in the United States by providing nutritious meals and snacks.