Feeding Infants in CACFP Child Care Programs

Overview

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Meals and snacks served to infants from birth through 11 months of age in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) must comply with the CACFP infant meal pattern. The CACFP infant meal pattern requirements are defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) final rule, Child and Adult Care Food Program: Meal Pattern Revisions Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, and began on October 1, 2017. Effective October 1, 2021, grains must comply with the ounce equivalents for creditable grains in Grain Ounce Equivalents for the CACFP.

The final rule requires more whole grains and a greater variety of vegetables and fruits, and reduces the amount of added sugars and solid fats in CACFP meals. It also better aligns the CACFP with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and other Child Nutrition Programs.

Infant Meal Pattern  |   Meal Pattern Guidance


Infant Meal Pattern

Meal Pattern Guidance