MDC Child and Adult Care Food Program
253-284-7865
800-843-9317
721 Fawcett Tacoma, WA 98402
Required Components for Meals
Breakfast:
- Grain
- Fruit or Vegetable
- Milk
(meat may be substituted for grain up to 3 X's per week at Breakfast only)
Lunch/Dinner:
- Meat/Meat Alternate
- Grain
- Fruit
- Vegetable
- Milk
Snacks (AM, PM, Evening):
Choose TWO components from DIFFERENT food groups: Grain, Meat/Meat Alternate, Fruit, Vegetable, Milk
Resources from the USDA and the CACFP
The USDA has published several flyers regarding the new meal patterns for providers that you may print or save on your computer for easy access. Click on one of the links below for more information:
New meal patterns went into effect on October 1, 2017!
The last major changes that occurred in the USDA food guidelines was in 1968. Times are changing and it is critical that we focus on the health and well-being of all children!
The goals of these changes are to:
- reduce sodium, added fats, and sugars
- increase intake of vegetables and whole grains
- Improve the eating habits of children, which stay with them for a lifetime
The major changes that will became effective in October 2017 include:
- At least once per day, a whole grain must be provided-this may be during any meal or snack
- At lunch and dinner, at least one vegetable must be served-two vegetables or a fruit and vegetable are credible, but two fruits are not
- Whole milk must be served to all children between ages 1 and 2
- Flavored milk will not be credible for any child under 6 years - this includes soy milk
- Sweet grains (such as cookies, donuts, and granola bars) will no longer be credible-they may still be served, but will not be counted as a component of your meal
Serve a variety of foods to increase nutrition throughout the day