THE LINK
Issue 65 | Summer 2026
The Summer 2026 edition of The Link is packed with fresh inspiration, practical tools, and seasonal ideas to help you make the most of the warmer months. Inside, you’ll find sample summer menus for infants and children, CACFP meal pattern guidance, and easy, kid-friendly recipes like a Berry Blast Smoothie and Sour Cucumber Bites, along with budget-friendly tips for serving healthy meals and snacks that meet CACFP requirements. A featured article, “Addressing the Fiber Gap,” shares simple, cost-effective ways to go beyond whole grains, boost fiber, and build more plant-forward menus.
This issue also highlights the value of play-based learning, nature-based exploration, and hands-on summer gardening—from window beans to sweet potato slips—that support healthy habits, learning, and curiosity all season long. You’ll find encouragement on getting little ones kindergarten ready, helpful guidance in Cardinal Corner on introducing new foods without mealtime power struggles, information on joining the CACFP, and creative ideas for taking meals and learning outdoors.
Do not miss the inspiring educator spotlights from Kentucky and Tennessee, plus updates on the 2026 Child Care & Development Conference celebrating 30 years in Nashville, annual trainings coming to cities across Tennessee and Kentucky, an important USDA milk policy update, and the CACFP Educator Portal. With tools for eForms, online enrollment, CACFP resources, and more, this edition offers timely support to help children, families, and educators grow, connect, and thrive this summer.
