meal pattern Archives

Meal Pattern Minute: Ounce Equivalency for Meat

When determining ounce equivalency of meat, is that done before or after it is cooked?

January Policy Update

Since our last policy updated, there has been new legislation introduced, waivers approved, guidance released, as well as an Interim Final Rule for SFSP rural, non-congregate feeding. There have also been multiple research papers published regarding the CACFP. Check out the recent policy updates below!

Meal Pattern Minute: Substituting Cheese By Volume

If you had a recipe that called for one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, could you replace it with one cup of Parmesan cheese and have the same ounce equivalency?

Meal Pattern Minute: Goat’s Milk

Can you serve goat’s milk in the CACFP?

Identifying Whole Grain-Rich Foods

Whole grains are an essential part of a healthy diet, which is why the CACFP meal pattern requires that at least one serving of grains per day be whole grain-rich (WGR). Our partners at ICN have tips to help you use the food package to determine which foods are WGR and how to avoid the pitfalls of confusing terms and phrases.

Getting Started with Meatless Monday

Looking to start incorporating Meatless Monday into your menu? Our partners at the Humane Society of the United States have tips and resources to make it easier to prepare more plant-based meals.