A resolution designating the third week of March 2026 as "National CACFP Week".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 656
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-22: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1523; text: CR S1517-1518)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-03T12:43:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution designates the third week of March 2026—specifically the week beginning March 15—as "National CACFP Week" to raise awareness about the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative that provides nutritious meals and snacks to children and adults in care settings.
Key Provisions
- Designation of Awareness Week: Officially recognizes the week of March 15, 2026, as National CACFP Week to highlight the program's importance.
- Recognition of Program Benefits: Acknowledges the CACFP's role in:
- Promoting healthy nutrition habits for children's growth and for vulnerable young children and adults.
- Delivering nearly 1.7 billion meals and snacks in 2025 to over 4.5 million children in child care centers, family day care homes, emergency shelters, and after-school programs, plus over 120,000 adults in adult day care.
- Enhancing child care quality, especially in low-income and rural areas, through public-private partnerships with non-profits and state agencies.
- Supporting working families and small businesses by making care more affordable and viable.
- Improving health outcomes, including reduced hospitalization risks, healthier weight gain, and more varied diets for participants.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding resolution that does not amend laws, create new regulations, or allocate funds; it serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness rather than enacting legal changes.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, but it encourages the Department of Agriculture to continue emphasizing the CACFP's role in nutrition education and support for care providers.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of the program's benefits, potentially increasing participation among eligible families and providers, which could indirectly support better nutrition access for low-income children and adults in care settings.
- On International Relations: No impact, as this is a domestic-focused recognition of a U.S. program.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Children and Adults in Care: Primary beneficiaries, including over 4.5 million children and 120,000 adults who receive meals, particularly in low-income, rural, or vulnerable populations.
- Care Providers and Businesses: Child care centers, family day care homes, adult day care facilities, emergency shelters, and after-school programs, including small businesses and non-profits that partner with the program.
- Families and Communities: Working families, especially in rural or low-income areas, who gain from more affordable and higher-quality care options.
- Government Entities: The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the CACFP, and state agencies involved in oversight.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval; it is purely ceremonial and does not create enforceable obligations.
- Constitutional: No implications, as it aligns with Congress's broad authority to pass resolutions for recognition and awareness without infringing on other branches of government.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan support (introduced by Senators Boozman and Smith) for child and adult nutrition programs, potentially fostering goodwill toward federal initiatives aiding vulnerable populations, but it carries no substantive policy shifts or controversies.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-22: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1523; text: CR S1517-1518)
- 2026-03-22: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Designating the third week of March 2026 as National CACFP Week. — issued 2026-03-22 — PDF (3 pages)