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RESOURCE LIBRARY

USDA MEAL PATTERN REQUIREMENTS 

On October 1st, the USDA's new meal pattern requirements (MPR2) went into effect nationwide. These changes have been described as the most sweeping changes to the CACFP in decades. Over the past few months we have spent countless hours training our providers and getting you prepared for all the new changes. Below are some resources to help as we transition into MPR2. 

Infant Meal Patterns

April 27, 2018

Choosing Whole Grain Rich Foods

Please click here for guidance on how to identify and select whole grain rich foods to serve in your childcare facility. Remember, CACFP guidelines require participants to serve at least one whole-grain-rich food at least one time each day.

October 01, 2017

The USDA has published new Meal Pattern Requirements for infants (ages 0 through 11 months) that went into effect on October 1st, 2017. The complete meal pattern requirement for children is provided here.

October 01, 2017

The USDA has published new Meal Pattern Requirements for children (ages 1 through 18) that went into effect on October 1st, 2017. The complete meal pattern requirement for children is provided here.

October 01, 2017

Every day, more than 4 million children get meals and snacks through USDA’s  Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Thanks to recent updates to  the CACFP meal patterns, you now have even more opportunities to help kids  get the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and play

October 01, 2017

As of October 1, 2017, yogurt served in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) must not have more than 23 grams of sugar per 6 ounces. There are many types of yogurt that meet this requirement. It is easy to find them by using the Nutrition Facts label and following these simple steps.

October 01, 2017

As of October 1, 2017, breakfast cereal served in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) must contain no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce.  There are many types of cereal that meet this requirement. You can use any cereal that is listed on any State agency’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)-approved cereal list, found as part of the State’s approved food lists at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/links-state-agency-wic-approved-food-lists. You can also find cereals that meet the requirement using the Nutrition Facts label and by following the steps below:

October 01, 2017

Use this information to see what kind of milk to serve in the Child and Adult Care Program (CACFP) to those in your care.

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Child Meal Pattern
Grow A Healthy Future
Choosing Yogurts
Choosing Cereals
Serving Milk

COOKBOOKS, RECIPES, AND MENUS

Chic' Penne Video and Recipe

Chic' Penne (25 - 50 Servings)

Learn how to cook healthy, delicious food on a budget! Chef Amy Riolo makes Chic’ Penne, a recipe from the What’s Cooking? USDA Mixing Bowl website featuring pasta, chicken, and broccoli in a creamy cheese sauce. Visit the What’s Cooking? site for more recipe ideas.

Chef Amy Riolo makes Eagle Pizza, a kid-friendly recipe from the What’s Cooking? USDA Mixing Bowl website that gives pizza a “Mexican makeover.” Visit the What’s Cooking? site for more recipe ideas. (whatscooking.fns.usda.gov)

Eagle Pizza (25 - 50 Servings)

Cookbook For Childcare Homes
Eagle Pizza Video and Recipe

Cookbook For Childcare Homes

The recipes in the cookbook feature foods both children and adults should consume more of: dark green and orange vegetables, dry beans and peas, and whole grains. All of these healthy recipes are low in total fat, saturated fat, sugar and sodium. With fun names like Porcupine Sliders, Smokin' Powerhouse Chili, and Squish Squash Lasagna, these kid-tested, kid-approved recipes are sure to please children and be an instant hit!

Healthier CACFP Menus

This cycle menu, provided courtesy of the Iowa Department of Education, are compliant to the new meal pattern requirements and have links to USDA approved recipes!

USDA GUIDEBOOKS AND REGULATIONS

Food Buying Guide

The Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs has all of the current information in one manual to help you and your purchasing agent 1) buy the right amount of food and the appropriate type of food for your program(s), and 2) determine the specific contribution each food makes toward the meal pattern requirements. You can print the entire manual, individual sections, or just updated pages to insert into your 2001 print copy.

 

The Food Buying Guide is being updated in phases to include resources for the new Nutrition Standards for School Meals. The Food Buying Guide for School Meal Programs includes an introduction, appendixes, and information on Meat/Meat Alternates, Vegetables/Fruits, Grains/Breads, Milk, and Other Foods.

USDA Food Buying Guide

Feeding Infants

This guide presents information on infant development, nutrition for infants, breastfeeding and formula feeding, preventing tooth decay, feeding solid foods, drinking from a cup, choking prevention, sanitary food preparation and safe food handling, commercially prepared and home-prepared baby food, and some of the Infant Meal Pattern requirements.

FeedingInfantsCover.JPG
Infant Feeding Guide
7CFR Part 226

7th Code of Federal Regulations Part 226

The 7th Code of Federal Regulations Part 226 (7CFR Part 226) is the U.S. Federal Regulation that governs the CACFP.

796-2 Financial Mangement

FNS 796-2 rev 4

This instruction establishes program  standards, principles, and guidelines for financial management of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. 

Childcare Licensing

TN Department Of Human Services Links

Childcare Licensing

Visit the Tennessee Department of Human Services Child Care Services department. Child Care Care Services plans, implements, and coordinates activities and programs to ensure quality, accessibility and the health and safety of children in care. The Child and Adult Care Licensing section is responsible for monitoring child and adult care agencies to ensure the health and safety of the young children and vulnerable adults in care.

Training Videos

Training Videos

Program Integrity

Program Integrity

Program Integrity

Excerpt from Karamu's 2017 annual CACFP training. This module focuses on non-discrimination and program integrity.

CACFP Reimbursement Process

CACFP Reimbursement Process

Excerpt from Karamu's 2017 annual CACFP training. This module focuses on the CACFP reimbursement process.

CACFP Recordkeeping

CACFP Record Keeping Requirements

Excerpt from Karamu's 2017 annual CACFP training. This module focuses on the CACFP record keeping requirements.

USDA Training Videos

USDA Training Videos

CACFP Halftime: Using the WIC Food List to Identify Creditable Foods in the CACFP

CACFP Halftime Webinar: Methods for Healthy Cooking

CACFP Halftime: Thirty on Thursdays - Serving Milk in the CACFP

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