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Share with Legislators ACNJ president’s Op-ed supporting legislative bills to invest in child care.

Posted on April 21, 2022

It's time to address the long-time child care crisis in New Jersey. The pandemic didn’t create it – it exposed it.

Let's urge legislators to support Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz's comprehensive package of bills that would help parents, strengthen programs and support staff. One bill, S-2476 (pending introduction), incentivizes the development of child care for infants and toddlers, the most difficult for families to find.

Share the op-ed authored by ACNJ President Cecilia Zalkind describing this historic proposal.

The package comes with a $360 million price tag. But we need to tell state leaders that this is an investment we cannot afford not to make.

Read the Op-Ed

New Jersey's commitment to children has led to extraordinary advances, putting the state ahead of the rest of the country and most importantly, improving the lives and well-being of newborns and preschool-age children.

But we are still missing the babies.

Let's make some noise for child care and take a moment to send a message to your state leaders that this is a critical investment for children, families and for our economy.

During this legislative session, ACNJ is calling on the state to:

Improve access to infant/toddler care by increasing the number of available child care programs;
Expand child care assistance for parents of very young children; and
Support the child care workforce, who have historically been underfunded and underappreciated

MIECHV Family Home Visits in New Jersey by Congressional District, 2025 Data

Post author By Eloisa Hernandez-Ramos
Post date April 22, 2026

Posted on April 22, 2026

Download State Page

HomeVisitation2026NJ

Find out how many families of children under 3 years old received a home visit in the cities in your district. Share the fact sheets with your federal congressional representatives.

Congressional District
Fact Sheets

Select District

Brick by Brick: The History Behind Today’s Upside-Down Food Pyramid and it’s Impact on Food Assistance Programs

Post author By Eloisa Hernandez-Ramos
Post date April 13, 2026

Posted on April 13, 2026

By Keith Hadad
ACNJ, Staff Writer

Earlier this year, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced new Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), along with an updated food pyramid. The changes, represented by an upside-down pyramid, emphasize protein intake, recommend full-fat dairy options, and encourage limiting highly processed foods and added sugars. These guidelines govern nutritional standards for school meals, feeding 27.2 million students every day; and in some part informs the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to 42.6 million people throughout the US. While the logistics and guidance are still in flux, the recent DGA updates will eventually create significant shifts in how the nation’s students and underserved eat. But how did we get here?

History of Federal Dietary Guidelines

First introduced in 1980, the Federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans have shaped national nutrition policy and standards for generations. Updated every five years by the USDA and HHS, these guidelines provide the policy and scientific basis for federal food assistance programs, including school meals and SNAP benefits. In 1992, the USDA introduced the Food Guide Pyramid, its first widely accepted graphic to illustrate a healthy diet. The Pyramid, with grains at the base and fats and sweets at the top, was designed to communicate recommended daily servings and reinforce the Dietary Guidelines.

Over the years, the government’s nutritional guidelines and the Pyramid itself have evolved in response to the nation’s changing needs and our expanding understanding of nutritional science, thereby directly shaping school meal standards.

The origins of the Food Pyramid as we know it today began in the 1940s. In 1943, in an effort to help Americans maintain a healthy diet while rationing for the war, the USDA released “The Basic 7,” which grouped sections of fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and other foods into a wheel.

By 1955, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health condensed the 7 food groups into The Basic Four, which was adopted by the USDA. While being one of the federal government’s early attempts at messaging about tying diet to national stability, this and the guide that came before it lacked recommendations for appropriate choices of sugars, fats, and overall calorie intake.

In 1977, the first edition of the Dietary Goals for the United States was released, which was the first set of government guidelines that drew a connection between diet and major chronic diseases. The USDA and HHS (then known as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare) formed a Joint Coordinating Committee in 1978 that voluntarily assembled a task force of scientists from both agencies to create nutrition guidance for the public. Their goal was to reflect current understandings of how diet relates to health and disease.

After reviewing evidence from sources such as the Surgeon General’s Report on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, the American Society for Clinical Nutrition, and other scientific organizations, the task force presented its findings as the 1980 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, based on the prevailing scientific consensus about nutrition and its impact on health. From this point forward, the national Dietary Guidelines would be updated every five years, and this became law in 1990 with the passage of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act. This law also requires all federal nutrition programs, including school meals, to be consistent with these nutritional guidelines.

In 1992, the Food Pyramid that we are all familiar with was introduced to visually communicate recommended servings of the major food groups and to translate nutrition science into a public education tool. The 1995 edition of the DGAs was revised to align with information from the Food Guide Pyramid and the Nutrition Facts Panel. The report also strongly stressed the importance of regular physical activity for maintaining a healthy body weight.

The Food Guide Pyramid then evolved into MyPyramid in 2005, which, with its tagline “Steps to a Healthier You,” further emphasized the importance of physical exercise by depicting a figure scaling the side of the pyramid.The bricks of the pyramid were changed into vertical wedges of color to reflect the DGA’s updated food patterns.

MyPyramid was then replaced in 2011 by First Lady Michelle Obama with a simpler graphic, known as MyPlate. MyPlate was a circular diagram split into two halves: one dedicated to whole fruits and varied vegetables, and the other to grains and diverse protein sources, with dairy placed on the side.

The newest changes to the Dietary Guidelines brought major alterations. Perhaps most evident is that the MyPlate graphic was replaced with an inverted pyramid. The protein, whole dairy, and healthy fats are now at the top, and grains are moved to the bottom.

The new guidelines stress the importance of whole, nutrient-dense foods coupled with a liberal reduction in highly processed foods that are high in added sugars and chemicals, refined carbohydrates, excess sodium, and unhealthy fats.

The Impact on School Meals

For schools to receive federally funded free or low-cost meals through programs such as the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, they must comply with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. A USDA study found that school meals can often be one of the most nutritious sources of food for students. However, improvements are still needed. The DGA indicates that roughly 70–80% of school-aged children consume excessive amounts of added sugar. Similarly,a USDA study found that over 90% of students regularly exceed recommended sodium levels. These gradual changes in the new guidelines aim to improve children’s health and produce meaningful long-term benefits, such as reducing the risk of diet-related conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

The process of developing and implementing these regulations can often span several years, so these updates cannot be rolled out overnight. The USDA must first introduce proposed rules, open them up for public feedback, finalize the regulations, and then allow schools and food providers time to modify recipes and comply with the updated standards. Not all schools have the right equipment, conditions, or trained staff to prepare enough scratch meals to meet these new standards and the needs of their students. A survey released by the School Nutrition Association showed that 79% of school meal program directors nationwide have an urgent need for increased funding to expand scratch cooking and reduce ultraprocessed foods. So schools will have to wait for guidance from the USDA on exactly how to implement the changes necessary to meet the new dietary guidelines.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Currently, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans influence SNAP primarily by guiding nutrition education, program improvements, and policy discussions, rather than directly restricting purchases. SNAP-Ed uses the DGA to promote healthier eating habits, while the guidelines also shape initiatives that encourage the purchase of more nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Although SNAP benefits can still be used for most foods, the DGA continues to inform ongoing debates about incentives and potential restrictions.

Under the leadership of President Trump, the USDA is now allowing states to exercise greater program management by approving SNAP Food Restriction Waivers. These waivers can make non-nutritious items, such as soda and candy, ineligible for SNAP benefits. As of last year, some states, like Nebraska, have removed soda and energy drinks from SNAP, and more changes are expected to follow.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Food Pyramid have grown and evolved alongside our understanding of nutritional science over the years, and both will assuredly continue to change far into the future. As the new Dietary Guidelines are slowly phased in and further guidance is issued by the USDA, ACNJ will continue to monitor these changes and how they affect programs such as SNAP and the National Lunch and School Breakfast programs.

Read the latest on child health and nutrition.

How are New Jersey’s Children Faring? Join our webinar to find out.

Post author By Eloisa Hernandez-Ramos
Post date April 10, 2026

Posted on April 10, 2026

Download Pocket Guide

View Press Release

More Reports

New Jersey Kids Count PocketGuide 2026

HOW ARE NEW JERSEY'S
CHILDREN FARING?

MAY 5TH
10AM - 11AM

JOIN US TO FIND OUT!

After a brief data presentation on the New Jersey Kids Count Pocket Guide 2026, special guest Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter will share her reflection on the data and what needs to be improved for children.

Register for Getting Ready for the World Cup: Keeping NJ Kids Safe

Post author By Lana Lee
Post date May 1, 2026

Posted on May 1, 2026

Download Flyer

ACNJ's Getting Ready for the World Cup: Keeping NJ Kids Safe is a four-part virtual Dine & Discuss series designed to equip parents, child care providers, and community partners with practical strategies to keep children safe during large-scale events and in everyday life.

As global events increase travel, crowds, and online visibility, families face new and evolving safety challenges. This series brings together trusted voices to provide clear, actionable guidance that families can use immediately.

This free series will be held Every Wednesday in May at 6:00 PM via Zoom and will feature leading experts in child safety, public health, and online safety:

May 6: Spotting the Signs: Protecting Children from Human Trafficking and Exploitation
- Speakers:
  - Brittany M. Butler, Resource Specialist 2, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
  - Susan Flynn, Founding Member, New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking
  - Carrie Speiser, Director of Community Engagement, Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey
May 13: Healthy for the Moment: Vaccinations, Public Health, and Keeping Families Well
- Speaker: Dr. Uzma N. Hasan, MD, Regional Director, Northern Jersey Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Barnabas Health Medical Group
May 20: Crowds, Chaos & Preparedness: Keeping Children Safe in Busy Public Spaces
- Speaker: Dr. Nandi Nelson, CEO, Social Behavior Learning Solutions
May 27: Online Safety in a High-Visibility Moment: Protecting Kids and Teens During Major Events
- Speaker: John Pizzuro, Head of U.S. Law Enforcement & Safety Policy, Snap Inc. (Snapchat)

“This series is about giving families real tools they can use right now,” said Winifred Smith-Jenkins, Director of Early Childhood Policy and Advocacy at ACNJ. “As we head into a season of increased activity, visibility, and movement, preparation matters. When parents and caregivers know what to look for and how to respond, it changes outcomes.”

The Dine & Discuss format creates an accessible, welcoming space for participants to learn, ask questions, and connect with experts and peers across New Jersey.

Registration is free and open to the public:
https://tinyurl.com/ACNJWorldCup

ACNJ Commends NJ Dept. of Human Services for Fully Reopening State Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Post author By Eloisa Hernandez-Ramos
Post date April 10, 2026

Posted on April 10, 2026

Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) supports the full reopening of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), restoring access for families across the state who rely on child care in order to work or attend school.

"Child care is a necessity for New Jersey families. Reopening CCAP is a critical step toward ensuring that more families can afford care, remain in the workforce, and provide stable, supportive environments for their children.

"CCAP is a vital support that helps families manage the high cost of child care while promoting children’s healthy development during their earliest years. Expanding access to this program strengthens family economic security and supports a stronger, more equitable state.

"ACNJ is encouraged by Governor Mikie Sherrill’s proposed $18 million investment to expand the program and serve more children in FY2027. Continued and sustained investment in child care is essential to ensuring all children and families have the opportunity to thrive.

"ACNJ remains committed to working with state leaders to strengthen New Jersey’s child care system and ensure access to affordable care for all families who need it."

Read NJDHS News Release Below:

Human Services Fully Reopens Child Care Assistance Program

(TRENTON) – Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha today announced that the Department has fully reopened the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), restoring access to all eligible families seeking child care assistance.

“Child care isn’t a luxury for most New Jersey families, it’s a necessity,” Commissioner Cha said. “The Child Care Assistance Program serves as a vital economic lifeline, helping to pay for quality early childhood education and allowing parents to continue their careers. That is why we are grateful to fully reopen this key program. We encourage families to review the eligibility criteria and apply at ChildCareNJ.gov.”

"Child care is a necessary expense that often strains household budgets,” Deputy Commissioner for Social Services Michael J. Wilson said. “By fully reopening applications we are able to provide essential relief to families. This allows more families to work with confidence, knowing their children are in safe, enriching environments. By continuing to invest in this program, we are investing in affordability.”

CCAP provides child care assistance to income-eligible parents who are working, attending school, or participating in job training, ensuring support is available to families who need help affording child care.

“We encourage families to visit ChildCareNJ.gov to learn about the CCAP and review eligibility requirements. When ready to apply, families will be directed to the State’s secure online application system, MyNJHelps, to complete and submit their application,” said Division of Family Development Assistant Commissioner Natasha Johnson. “Families can also connect with their local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies for guidance and support in accessing affordable child care options.”

Families can also check whether they are eligible for Head Start or if their school district offers free preschool for three- and four-year-olds.

New applications are now being accepted due to some families transitioning off the program. Once the applicant has submitted all required documents, the CCR&R will review the application and make an eligibility decision within 30 days.

Additionally, $18 million allocated in the Governor’s proposed state budget will enable the program to serve even more families. The Department anticipates serving up to 77,500 children in FY 2027.

Since 2018, the New Jersey has invested more than a billion dollars in new funding for child care, and, as part of those investments, child care provider rates have more than doubled.

Continue to visit www.ChildCareNJ.gov for information and updates.