Meal Pattern Minute

Are herbs and spices reimbursable in the CACFP? You need them to make your healthy meals and snacks flavorful, but are they reimbursable, or even allowable, in the meal pattern?

Coconut is so versatile! You can eat it fresh or shredded, and there’s even coconut water and coconut milk. So, is this jack-of-all-trades fruit creditable in the CACFP?

Is almond milk reimbursable in the CACFP? Between dairy allergies and dietary preferences, it’s a popular beverage, so we’re not surprised you want to know!

You want to include popcorn for your menu, but is it reimbursable as a vegetable in the CACFP? The answer may surprise you.

So you want to stir raisins into oatmeal or sprinkle dried mango on top of yogurt. How do you credit that dried fruit in the CACFP meal pattern?

You really want to know: why are muffins creditable but doughnuts are not?!

Can beans be creditable as a meat/meat alternates AND a vegetable in the same meal?

Do you know how to make a breastfeeding friendly environment at your center or daycare home? It’s best practice in the CACFP, so let’s dive in!

POP QUIZ: are sour cream and cream cheese creditable as meat/meat alternates?

What do you need on the plate at breakfast? Can you swap meat/meat alternates in for grains?