CACFP Meal Requirements and Nutrition Resources

Information and resources to assist Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operators in understanding and implementing CACFP meal requirements.

• CACFP Meal Patterns: Comprehensive information on the CACFP meal patterns; includes access to infant, child, and adult meal patterns charts, policy guidance, and related resources.

• Documentation Requirements for the CACFP Meal Patterns

• Determining Creditable Grain Products in the CACFP

• Flowchart for Determining Creditable Grains in the CACFP (PDF)

• Determining Whole Grain-rich Products in the CACFP

• Crediting Grains Using Ounce Equivalents: Information on crediting grains using ounce equivalents for children and adults, including instructions on calculating ounce equivalents when using the following:
  • Product Formulation Statements
  • Nutrition Facts Label
  • Recipes
  • CN-Labeled Products

• Crediting Grains as Ounce Equivalents for Infants: Information on crediting grains using ounce equivalents for infants, including additional USDA resources.

• Nutrition Requirements for Fluid Milk in the CACFP

• Serving Cheese in the CACFP

• Crediting Luncheon and Processed M/MA in the CACFP

• Serving Smoothies in the CACFP

• Developing a Menu with Serving Sizes: (for child and adult centers only): how to develop and document menus with serving sizes; includes access to templates for daily and weekly  menus.

• Menu Modifications in the CACFP: Information accommodating requests for menu modifications for participants with and without disabilities.

• Food Buying Guide Calculator Steps: Step-by-step information on using the USDA Food Buying Guide Calculator.

• Introducing Solids to Infants in the CACFP

• The Use of Share Tables: Information on children placing unconsumed food and beverage items they choose not to eat on carts or table to reduce food waste and encourage the consumption of food served. 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 
Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.