Meal Pattern

Meal patterns are the nutritional requirements established by the USDA that define what food components must be included in a meal or snack for it to qualify for reimbursement under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The meal pattern specifies required food groups (grains, meat/meat alternates, vegetables, fruits, and milk) and minimum serving sizes for each age group.

The CACFP meal patterns were significantly updated in 2017 to align more closely with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Key changes included adding a fruit component to breakfast, requiring whole grain-rich foods for at least one meal per day, limiting added sugars in yogurt and cereal, and requiring that all milk served to children age 2 and older be unflavored and low-fat or fat-free.

For childcare providers, understanding and correctly implementing meal patterns is essential for maximizing CACFP reimbursement and avoiding disallowed claims. Each meal must include all required components in the correct quantities. Menus must be planned in advance and kept on file for review. During audits, reviewers compare served meals against meal pattern requirements, check that food was purchased in sufficient quantities, and verify that meal counts match attendance records.