August 2016
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In This Issue:
mainWhat is a Whole Grain?
If you participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), you have probably heard that whole grains will become a more important part of the meal pattern requirements in 2017. But what exactly is a whole grain?


Easy Recipes:
Please note: your CACFP sponsors may also be providing detailed trainings on whole grains and other meal pattern changes.
SeasonalEating for the Season: Bell Peppers        
Bell Peppers (which are sweet, not spicy) are great for taste-testing with children because they come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. They also provide lots of Vitamin C. 

Ranched Up Hummus (serve with peppers)
10 Bell Pepper Snacks
Red Pepper Recipes for Preschoolers
PLAYVIDEOPLAY Video Series: Skipping
This month's PLAY video focuses on skipping, a more complicated skill that requires coordination among many body parts. Children should be able to stand on one foot before they can skip.

Children may get frustrated when learning how to skip, so watch this 3-minute video to see teaching cues and activities.
Training
Professional Development
North Dakota Training
Check out the new Child Care Aware Training website! 
Consider the following online courses:
Promoting Wellness Module 1: Activity and Movement
Promoting Wellness Module 2: Movement Activities

Minnesota Training
Eager-to-Learn Courses:
Childhood Obesity: Components of a Healthy Nutrition Environment 
Chat Sessions: Tuesdays from 7:00-7:45 pm; September 6, 13, & 27, 2016
Register for ETL courses at www.developtoolmn.org or www.eagertolearn.org.

Anytime Learning (ATL) Courses:
- Building a Healthy Plate: Cooking with Whole Grains
- Supporting Breastfeeding in Early Childhood Programs
- Designing Positive Mealtimes for Child Care Providers
- Child and Adult Care food Program (CACFP) in Minnesota
Anytime Learning (ATL) trainings are online, self-paced courses that can be taken at any time. Register for ATL courses at www.developtoolmn.org  or  www.eagertolearn.org.
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