Updated 1/29/2025 to include the waivers to enable grab-and-go meals through CACFP.
Our communities have been deeply impacted by the wildfires, winds, and power outages over the last week. The CACFP Roundtable is here for you as we navigate these tumultuous experiences, anxieties, and devastating losses. Below you'll find resources specific to CACFP and others. We continue to be a support for you and your communities as we know that caregiving is about the whole family, whole child, and whole community - meal service through CACFP is a small but essential part of that. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions, concerns, stories, or needs.
Below are some resources, if you have more to share, please do send along. samantha@cacfproudtable.org.
CACFP Specific
[New 1/29/2025] California Department of Social Services (CDSS), CACFP Branch applied for and received a non-congregate meal service waiver from USDA to allow reimbursable grab-and-go meals for fire-impacted areas. This waiver is similar to the suite of waivers similar to the ones you may have used during the pandemic-era public health emergency; it just waives all of the regulations in order to do this in one waiver.
Here is a link to the bulletin with more information including eligibility, application, and implementation.
CDSS, CACFP Branch, published a listserv, Disaster Flexibilities Reminder, advising the community about existing flexibilities. The bulleted list includes:
Eligibility for free meals: people displaced from disaster areas are categorically eligible for Tier 1 or free meal determinations
Duration of eligibility: the above determinations last for 12 months
Emergency shelter designation: even if a facility is not "sheltering" individuals, a facility can be determined by CDSS an emergency shelter to serve three meals (breakfast, lunch, and supper) and receive CACFP reimbursement
Fluid milk meal pattern requirement: allowance of meals to be served without milk or alternate form of milk. Flexibility must be requested.
Reimbursement claiming: late claims may be allowed.
Details can be found here.
If you and your community have other needs or flexibilities to be requested, please share with me, samantha@cacfproundtable.org. We have spoken with CDSS CACFP Branch and they are committed to assisting the community when and where they can - but it's important for us to tell them of your needs.
Additional Resources
Community Care Licensing: so far there isn't a lot here but there is a disaster evacuation list.
Community Call
The L.A. County Early Childhood Education (LAC ECE) Response Team* is announcing our first Community Call regarding the Los Angeles wildfire emergency. As we move forward together to serve our youngest children, early care and education providers and community members are invited to learn about the latest guidance for child care environments, updates to early care and education policies, the availability of supplies to operate safely, and how to access additional resources. Time for questions will also be provided. The call will take place on:
Thursday, January 16, 2025
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. (PST)
Register for the webinar at https://first5la.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4Ysp1TRRSxWY86ivW_nslA#/registration
The confirmation email will include instructions to join by computer and by phone. For more information, please see the attached flyer. The LAC ECE COVID-19 Response Team consists of the Los Angeles County Office of Education, Department of Public Health–Office for the Advancement of Early Care and Education, First 5 LA, the Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles, SEIU 99, the City of Santa Monica, the City of Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department and county Resource and Referral and Alternative Payment agencies.
Standing Together: Supporting Children and Families Impacted by Wildfires: a list of resources for families from Children Now ranging from housing food, monetary assistance to health assistance to staying informed.
Emotional Well-being
"Once the immediate threat is over, prioritize safety and emotional well-being. Resources like Together For Wellness and the Disaster Distress Helpline can be shared with families for additional support.
Wildfires can impact children’s emotional well-being, especially as they process loss and change. We can provide emotional support by:
validating their feelings
encouraging expression through talking or playing
sticking to familiar routines to provide stability
By staying attentive and supportive, we can help children navigate through challenging times with resilience. For additional resources, visit Child Mind Institute and Sesame Workshop." (Californa Child Care Health Program, special edition newsletter)
Air Quality
"Use AirNow.gov’s Air Quality Index (AQI), a simple color-coded system showing the air quality levels and potential health risks in the area and keep track of ongoing fires through Fire.CA.gov. Access more actionable tips in English and other languages from Listos California's Smoke Safety Flyer." (Californa Child Care Health Program, special edition newsletter)
Emergency Alerts
"Child care programs and families can stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts in English and other languages:
Listos California for various emergencies (fire, flood, evacuation, public health)
FirePLANNER for fire-specific updates" (Californa Child Care Health Program, special edition newsletter)
Employees
News and Resources from CalMatters
Member Meeting Next Week! Join us for updates from CDSS about the fire emergency declaration, Farm to CACFP, Meal Pattern Final Rule, and discussion with your CACFP peers! Register here, and learn more about membership here.
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