National CACFP Association: Company Profile

Background

Established in 1986, the National CACFP Association (NCA) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The association's mission is to provide advocacy, education, and resources to those involved in administering, operating, and participating in USDA's child nutrition programs. NCA's vision is to ensure nutrition security for families by facilitating access to vital food programs. Over the years, NCA has grown into a national platform, serving over 4.5 million children and adults by offering nutritious meals and snacks through the CACFP.

Key Strategic Focus

NCA's strategic focus encompasses several core objectives:

Advocacy and Policy Influence: Engaging in legislative and regulatory advocacy to influence policies affecting child nutrition programs.

Education and Training: Providing educational resources, training sessions, and conferences to enhance the effectiveness of CACFP providers.

Resource Development: Developing and disseminating materials that support CACFP operations and promote best practices.

Community Building: Fostering a network of stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and support for the CACFP community.

NCA specializes in child nutrition programs, focusing on ensuring access to healthy meals and snacks for children and adults in various care settings. The association utilizes a range of technologies, including online platforms for training and resource dissemination, to support its mission. Its primary market includes child care centers, family day care homes, afterschool programs, emergency shelters, and adult day care centers across the United States.

Financials and Funding

As a nonprofit organization, NCA's funding primarily comes from membership dues, conference fees, grants, and donations. While specific financial details are not publicly disclosed, the association has demonstrated financial stability and growth over the years. In 2025, NCA mobilized over 10,600 advocates, resulting in 3,200 actions taken, 7,700 letters sent to Congress, and 470 responses submitted to the USDA, highlighting its active role in policy advocacy.

Pipeline Development

NCA does not develop products or services in the traditional sense. Instead, it focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of existing CACFP providers through education, advocacy, and resource development. The association's initiatives include:

Training Programs: Offering workshops and webinars to improve program operations.

Advocacy Campaigns: Engaging in legislative efforts to support and expand CACFP.

Resource Creation: Developing materials that assist providers in delivering quality nutrition services.

These efforts aim to strengthen the CACFP community and ensure the delivery of nutritious meals to those in need.

Technological Platform and Innovation

NCA employs several technological platforms and methodologies to support its mission:

Online Training Platforms: Providing virtual training sessions and webinars to enhance provider knowledge and skills.

Resource Portals: Offering online access to educational materials, policy updates, and best practice guides.

Advocacy Tools: Utilizing digital platforms to mobilize advocates, coordinate actions, and communicate with policymakers.

These technologies enable NCA to effectively reach and support a diverse audience of CACFP providers and stakeholders.

Leadership Team

NCA's leadership team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the association's mission:

Lisa Mack: President and CEO, responsible for developing and implementing the association's long-term operating plan, managing member and partner relationships, and overseeing resource and product development.

Alexia Thex, MEd: President, leading advocacy efforts and advancing the mission and interests of association members and stakeholders, while forming long-term partnerships with corporations and organizations that further NCA's mission.

Elizabeth Sherman: Executive Director of Business Operations, overseeing finances, membership, event registration, data and contact management, customer service, and the certification program.

Lewis Miller: Director of Marketing & Events, responsible for strategic communications, brand management, events, and member engagement.

Jennifer Basey: Certification Coordinator, managing membership, website, conference, sales, and education.

Laurie McDonnell: Accounting Assistant, handling accounts payable, accounts receivable, budget tracking, and financial reporting.

Halley Ramirez: Operations Coordinator, responsible for contact management and ensuring information accuracy for over 95,000 members.

Chloe Smith: Senior Marketing Communications Specialist, maintaining NCA's website, creating content for online publication, and developing marketing materials.

Hannah Morris: Senior Event Specialist, planning the National Child Nutrition Conference and coordinating all aspects of the event.

Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD: Senior Nutrition Education Specialist, developing nutrition education materials and providing informational webinars.

Brittany Uribe: Senior Event Specialist, coordinating webinars and virtual events, including those during the National Child Nutrition Conference.

McKenzie Brunner: Senior Policy and Outreach Specialist, tracking nutrition policy trends and legislation, and developing nonprofit partnerships.

Sarah Hogestyn: Membership and Registration Coordinator, handling inquiries regarding membership, event registration, and other NCA questions.

Georgie Morell: Partnership Specialist, strategizing and implementing outreach initiatives to enhance program participation and form community and corporate alliances.

Melinda Nguyen, MS, RDN, LD: Nutrition Education Specialist, developing creative ways to reinforce nutrition education.

Blair Munday: Marketing Communications Specialist, assisting with marketing efforts and member communications.

Lindsay Hanz: Event Coordinator, planning and coordinating all webinars and virtual events.

Leadership Changes

In January 2026, NCA announced a leadership transition with Alexia Thex stepping into the role of President, succeeding Lisa Mack, who had served as President and CEO.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The child nutrition program sector is characterized by a growing emphasis on nutrition security and the expansion of access to healthy meals for children and adults. Organizations like NCA play a pivotal role in shaping policies, providing education, and fostering community engagement to address these needs.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in this sector include:

CACFP National Professional Association (CACFP NPA): A nonprofit organization that leads and supports state agencies in administering the CACFP with integrity, ensuring quality nutrition and wellness.

State-Specific CACFP Associations: Various state-level organizations that provide support, advocacy, and resources tailored to the needs of CACFP providers within their respective states.

These organizations collaborate with NCA to enhance the effectiveness of child nutrition programs nationwide.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

NCA collaborates with federal agencies, state agencies, and other nonprofit organizations to advance the mission of the CACFP. These partnerships enable NCA to influence policy, share resources, and provide comprehensive support to the CACFP community.