USDA Resources and Updates

Meal Pattern Tables

CACFP Meal Patterns Tables

• Infants (all meals and snacks)

• Children and Adults

  • Breakfast

  • Lunch and Supper

  • Snack

SFSP Meal Pattern tables

Click Here to view the SFSP meal pattern tables.

Additional Resources

Check out some of the most helpful USDA links below:

USDA Policy Memos - keep up to date on changes and policies

USDA Infographics - View printable infographics created by the USDA

FNS has taken steps to strengthen accountability, improve integrity, and protect Federal funds. Here are policies and guidance aimed at assuring proper funds management, program oversight, and integrity.

CACFP operators can utilize the following materials and resources to help them implement the CACFP meal pattern requirements:

• Crediting Handbook for the Child and Adult Care Food Program

  • The handbook is a supplementary resource to the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs and contains additional information on creditable foods served in the CACFP.

• Crediting Tip Sheets in Child Nutrition Programs

  • The crediting tip sheet series provides handy references for program operators on how to credit the five meal components in Child Nutrition Programs. Each tip sheet provides simple, easy-to-use information for one meal component.

• Feeding Infants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program

  • This guide is a training tool for CACFP operators with infants enrolled at their child care site. It covers topics such as the CACFP infant meal pattern, developmental readiness, hunger and fullness signs, handling and storing breastmilk and infant formula, solid foods, and more.

• Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs

  • This interactive, web-based tool assists Child Nutrition Program operators with planning, purchasing, preparing, and serving nutritious meals.

• Local Foods and Related Activities in the Child and Adult Care Food Program

  • This website offers information about farm to preschool efforts, including tips and resources.

• MyPlate

  • MyPlate is an online tool that offers ideas and tips to help CACFP operators, participants and families develop healthier lifestyles.

• Team Nutrition CACFP Meal Pattern Training Tools

  • An assortment of engaging materials that can empower CACFP providers with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to implement the CACFP meal pattern requirements.

• Team Nutrition Resources for Child Care

  • A collection of nutrition education materials, recipes, webinars, training tools, and more for CACFP operators.

Other Common Topics

Feeding Infants in the CACFP

CACFP Trainer's Tools: Feeding Infants

Grain Ounce Equivalents

Flavored Milk

• Children 1 through 5 years old: Meals served to children 1 through 5 years old that contain flavored fluid milk and flavored non-dairy beverages cannot be claimed for reimbursement.

• Children 6 years old and older and adults: If flavored milk is served to children 6 years old and older or adults it must be fat-free. This is consistent with the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.

Crediting Updates for Child Nutrition Programs: Be in the Know!

This is a five-part, recorded webinar series that ensures you remain up-to-date on recent crediting changes in the CACFP.

Exhibit A Grains Tool to the Rescue!

This is a recorded demo of the USDA's Exhibit A Grains Tool, which is included with the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs Interactive Web-Based tool. The Exhibit A tool allows you to search for your grain product and enter serving sizes from the product label.

Food Buying Guide Goes Digital

This recorded webinar discusses the new Food Buying Guide mobile application and FBG Interactive Web Tool.

Navigating the Food Buying Guide FBG Calculator

This recorded webinar teaches users about the FBG Calculator, which is included in the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs Interactive Web-Based Tool. The FBG Calculator is designed to create a shopping list to assist child nutrition program operators when ordering food for their programs.