CACFP Meal Pattern and Menu Planning
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) nutrition standards for meals and snacks served in the CACFP are based on the
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, science-based recommendations made by the National Academy of Medicine, cost and practical considerations, and stakeholder’s input. Under these standards, meals and snacks served include a greater variety of vegetables and fruit, more whole grains, and less added sugar and saturated fat. In addition, the standards encourage breastfeeding and better align the CACFP with the
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and with other Child Nutrition Programs.