Nutrition is an important part of early childhood. Young children need well-planned meals and snacks that come from a variety of foods to provide them with the nutrients needed to stay healthy and grow. For that purpose, the CACFP meal patterns, described in this section, are designed to help you plan nutritious meals and snacks for the children in your care.
What is a CACFP meal pattern? The CACFP meal patterns outline the food components, types of food, and minimum quantities required for breakfast, snack, and lunch (or supper) for specific age groups of children. You must plan and serve meals and snacks that meet the meal patterns for the age group (or groups) you care for in order to be reimbursed for the meals and snacks served.
What is a CACFP meal pattern? The CACFP meal patterns outline the food components, types of food, and minimum quantities required for breakfast, snack, and lunch (or supper) for specific age groups of children. You must plan and serve meals and snacks that meet the meal patterns for the age group (or groups) you care for in order to be reimbursed for the meals and snacks served.