CACFP Guidelines

253-284-7865

800-843-9317

945 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

MDC Child and Adult Care Food Program

CACFP Guidelines

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 become effective in October 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
The sugar limit for cereal has been reduced to 6g per serving and for yogurt, 23g per 6oz.
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