2021 Child Nutrition Today Magazine

Child Nutrition
Today

For the Child and Adult Care Food Program Community
cacfp.org :: 1 :: 2021-2022

Child Nutrition Today

Creditable Inside...

snack ideas 3│ 10│Meal Patterns Menus & Recipes for Grab’n’Go
Make Tasty & Healthy Meal PlansTaking the CACFP on the Road
that meet CACFP Meal Pattern guidelines.

4│ 12│Ounce Equivalents Rainbow Foods
Become a Pro at Crediting GrainsHow Do You Serve the Rainbow?

ü Pineapple & Sugar Snap Peas 6│How Does It Credit? 14│Allergies, Infants,
ü Mandarin Orange, Spinach & Cucumber Salad Surimi, Popcorn and More & Provider Spotlight
ü Apricots & Asparagus Spears

classic! 8│Parent Engagement 16│Coronavirus
4 Ways to Enhance Connection Response and Waivers

ü Popcorn, Pretzels & Raisins Trail Mix
ü Whole Wheat Crackers & Pear Slices
ü Hominy Grits with Fresh Berries

easy!

ü Vegetable Omelet
ü Sweet Potato & Tempeh Cubes
ü Vegetable Flour Pasta & Baked Chicken

ü Breadsticks & Marinara Sauce Download online at cacfp.org
ü Fish-Shaped Crackers & Edamame
ü Baked Vegetable Egg Rolls Who is the National CACFP Sponsors Association?

can’t wait! Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) has been the leading
national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food
ü 100% Grape Juice & Cheese Cubes Program (CACFP).
ü Frozen Coconut & Yogurt Smoothie
ü Grape Halves & Summer Sausage We are a national platform for the community and our mission is to share education
resources, offer an engaging, informative annual conference, and provide members
must try! with information on legislation and regulations.

ü Ham Sandwich We support child care providers, center staff, afterschool program teams, sponsoring
ü Whole-Corn Tortilla with Refried Beans organizations, state agencies, and all organizations with an interest in ensuring that
ü Rice Cake & Surimi all children have access to healthy foods, year-round. To that end, we offer a home
for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) community at our national professional
Find more creditable recipes development conference which has grown to be the largest training and networking
at cacfp.org/recipes-menus opportunity in the country for the CACFP and SFSP.

Millions Served Daily Through CACFP

cacfp.org :: 2 :: 2021-2022

Serve Tasty and Healthy Foods

What do different serving sizes look like for different age groups? USDA Team Nutrition has made a series of posters,
which are available in English and Spanish at cacfp.org/everyday-education.

cacfp.org :: 3 :: 2021-2022

Grains Ounce Equivalents

Effective October 1, 2021, grains served How do I calculate ounce equivalents if I
as part of the reimbursable meals and make a recipe from scratch?
snacks must be credited as oz eq. (ounce
equivalents) in the CACFP. USDA has another worksheet
for CACFP providers
What is an ounce equivalent? who want to make
their own grains items:
One ounce equivalent is equal to 16 grams of grains. “Determining Ounce
Ounce equivalents tell you the amount of grain in a Equivalents of Grains in
portion of food and help make sure children and adults get Child and Adult Care Food
enough grains at CACFP meals and snacks. Refer to USDA’s Program Recipes.” This
Exhibit A: Grain Requirements for Child Nutrition Programs for worksheet will walk you
required amounts. through calculations using
a grains conversion chart to
Does it still need to be whole grain-rich? determine how many grams of
grains are in the recipe, then
Yes, at least one serving of grains per day must be whole grain- dividing that by 16 to calculate
rich. Any additional grains must be made with enriched or whole how many ounce equivalents
grain meal or flour, or bran or germ in order to be creditable. are in the recipe.

What about store-bought grains items? Once again, you can also
use the Food Buying Guide
You can use the USDA worksheet titled “Using Ounce Equivalents to determine grains ounce
for Grains in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.” This equivalents. This time, you’ll
contains a grains measuring chart that includes an extensive list of be using the Recipe Analysis
commonly-used grains food items. Workbook (RAW), which is a handy tool for determining any
meal pattern component in a standardized recipe.
Another resource that you can use is the Food Buying Guide.
Enter information from the Nutrition Facts label into the Exhibit
A Grains Tool to determine how many ounce equivalents of
grains are in one serving.

cacfp.org :: 4 :: 2021-2022

Id entifying Whole Grain-Rich Resources

En Español
Handy One-Page

Quick Reference Sheet

Full Eight-Page
Reference Guide Booklet

WhatLoDookesL1i/k2eo?z eq.AvailabCle aot cmacfpm.orgo/mneal-Gparttearnisn. s Items Conversions

ITEM 1/4 oz eq 1/2 oz eq 3/4 oz eq 1 oz eq 2 oz eq
equals equals equals equals equals

It depends on which group the grain is listed in on the USDA Bagels 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g
Exhibit A: Grain Requirements for Child Nutrition Programs. Batter-Type Coating
7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g

Biscuits 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g

Group A Grains Bread Sticks (hard) 6g 11 g 17 g 22 g 44 g
Bread-Type Coating Available at cacfp.org/meal-patterns.
6g 11 g 17 g 22 g 44 g

Breads 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g

11 grams of fish-shaped pretzel crackers is Bulgur/Cracked Wheat* 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g

about 21 crackers (~1/4 cup) Buns 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g

Cereal, Breakfast (all types, including 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g
grits, oatmeal, ready-to-eat, etc.)*

Cereal Grains (barley, quinoa, etc.)* 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g

Group B Grains Chow Mein Noodles (ready-to-eat) 6g 11 g 17 g 22 g 44 g
Corn Muffins 9g 17 g 26 g 34 g 68 g
14 grams of whole wheat bread Cornbread 9g 17 g 26 g 34 g 68 g
is about 1/2 slice Crackers, Savory 6g 11 g 7g 22 g 44 g
Crackers, Sweet 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g

Croissants 9g 17 g 26 g 34 g 68 g

Croutons 6g 11 g 17 g 22 g 44 g

Egg Roll Wrappers 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g

Group H Grains English Muffins 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g
French Toast 18 g 35 g 52 g 69 g 138 g
14 grams of dry whole wheat pasta Muffins (all, except corn) 14 g 28 g 42 g 55 g 110 g
is about 1/4 cup cooked Pancakes 9g 17 g 26 g 34 g 68 g

Pasta (whole grain-rich or enriched; 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g
all types)*

Pie Crust (for savory pies) 9g 17 g 26 g 34 g 68 g

Pita Bread 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g
Pretzels, Hard
Group I Grains 6g 11 g 17 g 22 g 44 g

14 grams of flakes/rounds cereal Pretzels, Soft 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g
is about 1/2 cup Rice*
Rolls 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g

7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g

Stuffing (weights apply to bread in 6g 11 g 17 g 22 g 44 g
stuffing)*

14 grams of puffed rice cereal Taco Shells 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g
is about 3/4 cup Tortilla Chips
Tortillas 7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g

7g 14 g 21 g 28 g 56 g

Waffles 9g 17 g 26 g 34 g 68 g

Watch In-Grained: Easy Tools to *Weights listed refer to the dry/uncooked version of the item.
Determine Serving Amounts
at cacfp.org/thirty-on-thursdays

cacfp.org :: 5 :: 2021-2022

How Does It Credit?

Popcorn Surimi

Popcorn is considered a whole grain and is loaded with fiber. Surimi seafood is a ready-to-eat paste, commonly made from
Because there is a concern for it being a choking hazard it is pollock, that is reformed into flakes, sticks, shreds, chunks or
important to think about the developmental readiness and check other forms. It is great in seafood salads, sushi-style rolls and
with your State agency for any age restrictions. Due to the high tacos. Surimi may contain as little as a third of seafood ingredient
volume of popcorn required to meet crediting, it is encouraged and can contain other creditable ingredients, but only credits for
to include other creditable grains when serving popcorn, using meat alternate unless the CN Label states otherwise.
the 1/2 and 1/4 ounce guidance.

CREDITING WHOLE GRAIN CREDITING MEAT ALTERNATE

POPPED POPCORN SURIMI 1/4 oz eq.
1 oz eq.
3/4 cups (0.25 oz) 1/4 oz eq. 1 oz
1 1/2 oz eq.
1 1/2 cups (0.5 oz) 1/2 oz eq. 3 oz

3 cups (1.0 oz) 1 oz eq. 4.4 oz

Corn Masa/Corn Flour Hominy

Masa is a milled flour that is used in many popular foods, such as Hominy is a traditional Mexican and Native American food
tortilla chips, tamales and taco shells. Crediting is determined by produced from dried maize kernels, and is packed with vitamins
weight. Note that corn that is not “whole” or “enriched” or is not and minerals. Depending on how it is offered, hominy is
treated with lime (nixtamalized) does not credit as a grain. creditable as a vegetable or grain component for meals or snacks.

CREDITING GRAINS CREDITING COMPONENT

CORN MASA/FLOUR 1 oz eq. HOMINY

16 grams 1/2 cup canned (drained) 1/4 cup vegetable

1/2 cup cooked grits 1 oz eq. grain

1 oz. dry grits 1 oz eq. grain

cacfp.org :: 6 :: 2021-2022

Watch the Be in the Know food crediting Quick Lunch
webinar series at cacfp.org/usda-webinars

Watch the CN Labels & Product Formulation Statements
webinar at cacfp.org/cacfp-university

Vegetable Flour Pasta Ingredients § 2 minced garlic cloves
§ Garlic herb seasoning mix
Pasta made of vegetable flour(s) can be credited as a vegetable, § 2 cups cooked spinach pasta
while legume flour pastas can be credited as either vegetable
or meat alternate. Pasta must contain 100% vegetables - single § 4 tbsp olive oil
serving or multiple. Read labels carefully. Don’t be tricked by
packaging stating that it is made with vegetables when it’s only Toss cooked spinach pasta with olive oil and garlic. Add
used to add coloring. For additional training materials, visit seasoning to taste. To give this dish some extra zing, add
cacfp.org. crushed red pepper flakes and a serving of chicken or fish.

CREDITING COMPONENT

VEGETABLE FLOUR

1/2 cup cooked 100% vegetable flour pasta 1/2 cup vegetable

1/2 cup cooked 100% legume flour pasta 1/2 cup vegetable Lunch/Supper Crediting: 8 Servings for ages 3-5

1/2 cup cooked 100% legume flour pasta 2 oz eq. meat alternate

Coconut Tempeh

There are many uses for coconut, from using the meat of the Tempeh is a fermented, soy-based cake that is used as a meat
fruit to its juices. Providers can credit fresh or frozen coconut as substitute in many recipes. If you use tempeh containing other
a fruit based on volume served. At least 1/8 cup must be served to creditable ingredients like grains or vegetables, you must provide
be creditable. Note the table below for non-creditable forms. the CN Label or PFS from the manufacturer for crediting.

CREDITING CREDITING

CREDITABLE NOT CREDITABLE TEMPEH MEAT ALTERNATE

Fresh Dried Flakes 1 oz 1 oz eq.

Frozen Coconut Flour

Coconut Water (100% Juice) Coconut Oil Get the latest crediting updates at cacfp.org/policies-regulations

cacfp.org :: 7 :: 2021-2022

Parent Engagement

4 Ways to Enhance Parent-Provider Connections

1 Parent Surveys It doesn’t have to be as hard as it 3 Nutrition Education Activity Pages What goes
sounds! Once a week, ask your parents to tell you one thing on the refrigerator door? Artwork and activity pages sent
about their child(ren) based on a question you post on home with parents. For every activity page you
your bulletin board. Learn about favorite foods, outdoor games, toTABLE send home, be sure to use some of that real
chores, family culture, and more. This simple act can help promote
partnership, provide new ideas for your child care, and make room boetueeWctcxarhoograpcamhaehbhmrrroaeeveedstptmcenseuhebtelocgspLheceenetHkthmgahatsEoes.Epacehipuoi?ovbodehnpraiselAssoeTewfaaMtssitleyesoScallarncsRctdhedcipheoymvnrcreikunrtdadriAcasaoeN,maaeetsopygrte,hplosntrlsdaanaalranfaKipbheieinatesowskgatrorlImceuttgen,dhsiddEtd,geTiaoudnsetrsawmdeceahrytlns,penvfygheeacwnkoyweaivtopeIasoveofdnaamtoeroanwtTesttihegumteniruytrwlPtugtwtatppsteegDtdwhurharhdhtrehtutcttrpeeLeGchosoaodhiaioteaygcsetrocettvnfcanueaAboitaoiye.hifaaarfnarbipbctso,detbleiiMsrdskrrilYeneltlerrwntsclit,eillaoeeaddosnehndeasadonscastponwtopsrnepentgoroqIhhnkaghpahtwtirTanaenatfusdunmhasieceskaorierwpenlnctatnnaiaodtlttePrgtteGedosfcoehlstsiohttmhaocylrhr.trsehpwleesufsaantaehaob.etnooHei,oerirtnaanoreinrrlysdduzcwopcndrrawigustadeuohushtottrtbahdv.reesytueii?ciecwifeaneoAeehundnklttncneraindthtytenc!cgrihetsntoghiirgeadneheksCnTieciateaaetdnan,nse,eaekhcsgnnutruwltvmnrtihhileaddtto,hynaerahirceeTglgventggvsehmdentrbhaieyehqaerteieortmuHctueglriausesgdaaveipncdPebtttnnaaeubbrnk’reteeFclsslnetelaaaaltdeagnarcepoiagocgebtnswstslhlemtrlwratllrGisuknilwdactetsaCintoebnn,BtSNacphpoanthroiiCuRhtiuogelbrtryOoameptoanreateIgcrTtohprBeiTsupeuhn!saOnrobNhleooetrantgclepftsc-ongYfdcahtstiaddranrtaae,oiWsiIubeelorloeGim“sstooennada-itau,rntnteeGvsremckknorNaihuynnmipfet,malcateaoelapeeinilhetaIuoyeenclsctneIbtnrisnr-anatcalTrlesiorochhTsuwetyGsaneaidyaidfgnendgetb.eerlnnseronorernnaardaaswaagesad-tWeoBtsasrergnsiyBtrmif’srOnGlonaerinsBxraaiiecadenmwwnaiyotntnalaeshh,egsTaianBeweihlegdgtEnhrnrdglsiaatfeiabrPnaywrlBrplurg.eleaogoaitrggdanwlrgdodetoesoestheRarolrgos-mrgokhhat:piarpruuewmscrnitIoahotetavptereeatt.e-oeichpWsnnrvwaohokgwed!nmaenltNtcaea,ToflteeeaievaediacedseorigItrtaooqlitrnn-rhergos.slfeniycnaasroghessurctGwci.d.nmterhengs.pnyghasoghliseffPI!eeteesi-thTrro,a”rfbynHeainlvaelmO,udscodtonauantteitideiaeeeiirhhnnamlnn,raodntslshlenacieslmteeBgaitnsaCtaa.NhsrpromilL,a-idnetnsRed.i.enalIukoreacade-ler’rFaaOgt.troethinmNbraAodtlEeOa.pdoces1!tsusio-1rsar.ocets/Ah1!rcfGml/s1ohklo2gese2aO2tT5d,-ec,rrte3cOtitsugaWetacupaoMab1aIcssu,bwepbpTrel/pohopeldilfa3feioylxefssonsootoenCsrGaposhSlTesrnrpotwocfpeuonoaoaeoLRauoifmethmvo1cGunonnrGghfruTirspoCsyee0iovEpocgndegtosioendrogrsneyheinernAhimtSdaynAcaioceueocsshcsdiuenthaaoiiCcatesthouhwnruiesnirugDutnagshmxuvscfaoeiverFCerfatmbaerlditeetSRuaaii.rcdcrPuisemtrcnéoldtnIrevnstoceAlhhsreiuosrTwci3ygigsectioe¼erduecceeiotshrdsh-teslntnhiriantto5adVkomidboaetaoeicFn(La.lciiu.tsin1rk(nrcnusgnsekgnetdreiVtpu/okidsahnpoaggueaaygdi2ingetewrrnesi:arlcnrnehrgecdiasndcculenbdevteah.toivu,rhebedincatoidniedApnaecoanmlrrctuub)ootegbskocotaidettclltnoelernlhtetiqedoeaueonnlthntr/daunvahhderdsoSMmhepbaedwteeiecio@oepglagleldaereabshfureahoekt!.sastcontooqtcppseA/MuhhataaoasulpGoacbeaencdrbkaaaoaeralyfddlgmlbnyfeyaprawtittrsgtatibdr.tcehfneLayuothiageooridtic)nrreocecnhorhhyigdkihuiksotaerbseoiyomruinlnofcEdyvei.lsecsnedml.coahsgantupreipnleuro.gtstyeo.er. estate to share tips on why participating in
for sensitive conversations. the food program means their children have
access to healthy foods.
Download parent survey ideas
at: cacfp.org/program-support Download in English and Spanish
at cacfp.org/activity-pages

2 Newsletters Parents love to hear 4 Taste Testings
about what their children are doing Invite your parents to a
when they are in care. Make your #CACFPCreditable taste
newsletters personal so they don’t become testing at pickup on a Friday to share
a paper just tucked away for another day what you are serving for meals and at
that never gets read. Use these to also pass snack time. Spend the week teaching
along healthy recipes, nutrition notes, about the benefits of a particular
and ideas on how to extend healthy food item and then have their
habits at home. child(ren) tell them all about the food
you are showcasing. This is a great
Download at cacfp.org/toolkits opportunity to share why participating
in the food program means their
children have access to healthy foods.

Save the Dates National Child Nutrition Conference
April 19-21, 2022 · New Orleans, LA
cacfp.org :: 8 :: 2021-2022

Download great resources Learning
for CACFP Week!
Center
Learn more at CACFPWeek.org
With more than 100 hours of
Continuing Education Units,
including free training webinars,

our Learning Center has
something for everyone!

Visit cacfp.org/learning-center to
browse our catalog of webinars.

Every third week of March, celebrate the community that works to ensure that millions
of children and adults have access to healthy meals and snacks every day.

Invest in Yourself,
Invest in Your Career!

JOIN THE HUNDREDS OF PROVIDERS

who have received their Professional Certification.

“The CACFP Certification recognizes
my dedication to provide quality
services to families and exemplifies my
continual commitment to learn and
grow within my profession.”

- Alethea Etinoff, CCNP

Point of Care Childcare

CACFP Child Nutrition Professional (CCNP) is the professional certification for the home
child care provider or staff employed at a center operating CACFP, and/or a CACFP
agency (Sponsor, Head Start, State Agency, etc.) administering CACFP.

VISIT CACFP.ORG/CERTIFICATION

to find out if you already qualify!

cacfp.org :: 9 :: 2021-2022

Grab'n'Go Watch Serving Cold Lunches
at cacfp.org/cacfp-university
Three complete #CACFPCreditable meals for ages 3-5

Crunchy Shopping List
Barbecue Wrap
§ 1 pound barbecue beef,
Directions shredded

Place 4 oz. barbecue beef and 1/2 cup cabbage slaw on § 2 cups cabbage slaw
each tortilla and wrap up. Cut in half - each wrap makes § 4 whole grain-rich tortillas
two servings. Add 1/4 cup of blueberries and one 8 oz § 2 cups blueberries
carton of 1% white milk to each bag. § 8 (8 oz.) cartons of 1%

white milk

Lunch /Supper Crediting: 8 Servings for ages 3-5

Shopping List Snack Sack
Lunch
§ 8 (6 oz.) yogurt cups
§ 2 cups celery, sticks Directions

(about 24, 4” sticks) In each paper bag, place one 6 oz yogurt cup, one 8
§ 2 cups grapes, halved oz carton of 1% white milk, and plastic snack bags
§ 4 oz eq. ready-to-eat cereal containing 1/4 cup celery sticks, 1/4 cup of halved grapes
§ 8 (8 oz.) cartons of 1% and 1/2 oz eq. ready-to-eat cereal. This is also a great
meal to serve in a bento box!
white milk
Lunch /Supper Crediting: 8 Servings for ages 3-5

Protein-Packed Shopping List
Pasta Salad
§ 16 oz. cheese, cubed
Directions § 1 pound cucumber, diced
§ 1 pound apples, sliced
Cook 8 oz. of dry pasta and let cool. Mix with cheese, § 8 oz. whole grain pasta
cucumber, olive oil, salt and pepper. Scoop one cup of § 8 (8 oz.) cartons of 1%
pasta salad into a container. Add 1/4 cup of sliced apples
and one 8 oz carton of 1% white milk to complete each white milk
to-go bag. § Olive oil, salt and pepper

Lunch /Supper Crediting: 8 Servings for ages 3-5 to taste

For more creditable recipes visit us at:

cacfp.org/recipes-menus

cacfp.org :: 10 :: 2021-2022

Serving Cold Lunch Menus

Here are 15 #CACFPCreditable meals that can be prepared ahead of time and served cold.

Component Ages 1-2 Ages 3-5 Ages 6-18 Adults Lunch #1 Lunch #2 Lunch #3 Lunch #4 Lunch #5

Meat/ 1 oz 1 1/2 oz 2 oz 2 oz Ham/Swiss Boiled Cottage Yogurt Turkey
Meat Alternate 1/8 cup 1/4 cup 1/2 cup 1/2 cup Roll-Ups Egg Cheese
1/2 cup
Vegetable 2 oz eq. Baby Fresh Salad & Fresh Sweet Celery Bell Pepper
1 cup Carrots Spears Slices
Tomato Peas

Vegetable/Fruit* 1/8 cup 1/4 cup 1/4 cup Cantaloupe Mango Pineapple Sliced Strawberries
Balls Tidbits Grapes

Grains 1/2 oz eq. 1/2 oz eq. 1 oz eq. Whole Grain Whole Grain Whole Grain Ready-to-Eat Whole Grain

Tortilla Bagel Crackers Cereal Bowtie Pasta

Milk 1/2 cup 3/4 cup 1 cup 1% White 1% White 1% White 1% White 1% White
Milk Milk Milk Milk Milk

Component Ages 1-2 Ages 3-5 Ages 6-18 Adults Lunch #6 Lunch #7 Lunch #8 Lunch #9 Lunch #10

Meat/ 1 oz 1 1/2 oz 2 oz 2 oz Grilled Hummus BBQ Beef Cheese Slices Cheddar
Meat Alternate 1/8 cup 1/4 cup 1/2 cup Chicken Cubes Chunk Kabobs

Vegetable Spinach Salad Fresh Cabbage Zucchini Fresh
1/2 cup Broccoli Slaw Sticks Broccoli

with Tomatoes

Vegetable/Fruit* 1/8 cup 1/4 cup 1/4 cup 1/2 cup Fresh Peaches Blueberries Sliced Chunky
Pears
Watermelon Mixed Fruit

Grains 1/2 oz eq. 1/2 oz eq. 1 oz eq. 2 oz eq. Whole Grain Pita Whole Grain Whole Grain Whole Grain
Sliced Bread Bread
Tortilla Crackers Pretzel Sticks

Milk 1/2 cup 3/4 cup 1 cup 1 cup 1% White 1% White 1% White 1% White 1% White
Milk Milk Milk Milk Milk

Component Ages 1-2 Ages 3-5 Ages 6-18 Adults Lunch #11 Lunch #12 Lunch #13 Lunch #14 Lunch #15

Meat/ 1 oz 1 1/2 oz 2 oz 2 oz Tuna Sliced Lean Deviled Shredded Cheese
Meat Alternate 1/8 cup 1/4 cup 1/2 cup 1/2 cup Beef Eggs Chicken
1/2 cup Cucumbers
Vegetable 2 oz eq. Cherry Grilled Asparagus Avocado Apple
1 cup Tomatoes Onions Spears (Mashed or Slices

Vegetable/Fruit* 1/8 cup 1/4 cup 1/4 cup Mandarin Plums Cherries Spread)
Oranges
Saltine Cutie
Crackers Oranges

Grains 1/2 oz eq. 1/2 oz eq. 1 oz eq. Whole Grain Pita Bread 1% White Whole Grain Whole Grain
Crackers Milk
Tortilla Pasta

Milk 1/2 cup 3/4 cup 1 cup 1% White 1% White 1% White 1% White
Milk Milk Milk Milk

oz eq = ounce equivalents Visit cacfp.org for more information.
CACFP is an indicator of quality child care.
* The fruit component at lunch may be substituted with an additional vegetable. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

cacfp.org :: 11 :: 2021-2022

Rainbow Foods

Nine Ways to Serve the Rainbow

Red & Pink

These fruits and vegetables contain lycopene,

which has cancer-fighting effects and other

health benefits.

Try: Beets, cherries, cranberries, pomegranates,

radishes, raspberries, red peppers, rhubarb, NCA
strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon Membership

Orange & Yellow We know that many members of the child
nutrition community want access to high-
These are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, quality materials for their use as well as access
which converts to vitamin A and helps promote to training, support, and the latest and greatest
healthy vision and cell growth. crafts, recipes, and fun physical movement ideas.
We can help!
Try: Acorn or butternut squash, apricots,
cantaloupe, carrots, nectarines, papaya,

pineapple, pumpkin, sweet potatoes NCA offers Individual Memberships,
Organization Memberships and Sponsor
Green Memberships for both CACFP and SFSP. Join
today to access exclusive benefits.
These fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin

K, which is essential for blood and bone health,

along with vitamins A, C, E and many B vitamins. Learn more on how an NCA Membership is a
must for any provider by visiting

Try: Artichokes, asparagus, avocados, broccoli, cacfp.org/membership-opportunities.

Brussels sprouts, cucumber, green grapes,

green peppers, kiwi, pears, spinach, zucchini MteeIml’lmbyeoarun. LwNehCtyAm. e

Blue & Purple

Mostly fruits, these are important for your

memory. They promote healthy aging and help

prevent heart disease.

Try: Blackberries, blueberries, currants, dates,
eggplant, purple grapes, plums, prunes, purple
cabbage, purple figs, raisins

Raw Spiralized Boiled

Always a classic Use raw or cooked as noodles Simple and flavorful

Ratatouille Smoothies Roasted

A beautiful, hearty French dish Blend fruit and yogurt Deepen flavors and soften texture

Grilled Power Bowl Dyed

Make colorful kebabs Arrange a pretty mix of foods Add some pizazz yourself

Member Resources Get the #CACFPCreditable
Rainbow Pancakes recipe
include... at cacfp.org/recipes-education

Activity Motivation Educational
Pages Moments PDFs

cacfp.org :: 13 :: 2021-2022

Accommodating Allergies

and Special Diets

When menu planning in the CACFP, providers often accommodate Major Food Allergens
food preferences based on culture, religion, beliefs, health concerns,
and geographic region. As long as meal patterns are being met, these Milk Eggs Seafood
are a welcome way to partner with families.
Shellfish Tree Nuts Peanuts
When a child’s diet is restricted due to a disability, federal law and
USDA regulations require reasonable modifications to be made, at Sesame Soybeans Wheat
no extra charge. If you care for a child with allergies to wheat, you
may start menu planning with rice, corn, or other gluten-free grains. Eight foods are identified as major food allergens.
If the child is allergic to both cow and soy milk, however, you may
need to serve a milk substitute that does not meet the meal pattern Under the FASTER Act of 2021, sesame is being added as the
requirements. In this case, a written statement from a licensed ninth major food allergen, effective January 1, 2023.
healthcare professional must be provided before substituting the
required meal components. Note that reasonable modifications or
accommodations do not extend to substitutions or changes in your
program that could put you in a severe financial strain, such as
accommodating a medical statement that specifies a brand of expensive
infant formula.

It’s not just about the food either. You may have a child with diabetes
who needs help tracking their diet. You should also hold meals in the
most integrated setting possible – you can’t make a child with severe
airborne peanut allergies sit in another room so you can serve peanut
butter sandwiches to the rest of the children.

Every child deserves the healthiest start in life. Recognizing that some
have specific needs and by making the modifications necessary to
meet those needs while providing adequate and nutritious food to all
children in their care, CACFP providers are key to ensuring children
are the healthiest they can possibly be, no matter their economic,
physical, or mental background.

Watch Accommodating Participants with Disabilities in Community Meals at cacfp.org/learning-center
Read Policy Memo on Modifications to Accommodate Disabilities in the CACFP & SFSP at cacfp.org/policies-regulations

cacfp.org :: 14 :: 2021-2022

Why We Do WEhvaat SWaenjuDrojo

Eva Sanjurjo of Hunt’s Point, New

York, opened the doors to Eva’s

Kids over forty years ago, and in

her dangerous and impoverished

neighborhood, she will charge

as low as ten dollars a week

to care for children and keep

“What I did for my own them safe and fed in her home. Feeding Infants
The day starts at 7:00 am with a
children, I wanted to do for healthy breakfast and then she For the first months of an infant’s life,
breastmilk or infant formula will be
others in my community.” personally walks the school-age their main source of nutrition. Once
an infant is developmentally ready,
children to their school, making other components such as grains, vegetables, and
fruits are a part of the CACFP meal patterns for
sure they arrive safely and on time. Mid-day, students make their way back infants.

to Eva’s Kids where they eat a complete and nutritious lunch because Eva Learn what developmental readiness looks like, how
to recognize hunger and fullness signs, and best
knows that if children are hungry or worrying about food, it affects their practices for handling and storing breastmilk and
infant formula with USDA’s Team Nutrition Feeding
moods and learning. In most cases, Eva is the sole provider of meals for the Infants training guide. Available in Spanish and
English, you can download this guide or order it in
children and she credits the CACFP for making that possible. print. You’ll also find parent communication tools,
child care provider handouts, and practice scenarios.
Growing up with supportive parents, Eva had her own sense of self-worth
and high expectations which she passes on to the children. She enjoys
teaching through conversation and expects manners and good grammar
with “no street talk” allowed. She advocates for mutual respect between
herself, the children, the community, and anyone that works with the
children. Eva has a contagious energy and even after forty years is not
anywhere near stopping yet. When talking about retirement, Eva laughs as

she says, “I can still hula hoop and ride a bike. I don’t need to stop!”

Monica Jackson Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos
Nutrition Service
Food and

Food and Nutrition Service

When Monica Jackson of

Springfield, Virginia, befriended a Feeding Infantsin the Child and Adult Care Food Program Alimentación para Bebésen

nanny, she had no idea her career el Programa dNeiñAolsimyeAndtousltposara el
Cuidado de

life was going to forever change.

The nanny asked Monica to be her

replacement and without looking For more information, download Feeding
Infants in the CACFP in English & Spanish
back at her commercial loan at cacfp.org/everyday-education

lending career, Monica enrolled in

the early childhood development “If you are looking for a child
program at Northern Virginia
to be successful, it’s a process.”
Community College. At the CACFP
Need to
request of her professors, she went on to train other students in the Know

program and continues to conduct workshops for providers and students, Infants do not need to eat at a
normal mealtime for providers
while also running her own home child care. to get reimbursed for meals.
Feed infants on demand
Monica creates learning that is both intentional and experiential by making and when they are hungry,
connections. With every lesson and activity, the children discuss what their offering required components
goal is and what the primary lesson is. As they learn about and grow red throughout the day once the
beans and then spend the day at the farmer’s market where they see the child is developmentally ready.
beans, a connection is made. Monica’s goal is to equip each individual child
with learning experiences and skills to be able to flourish when they move cacfp.org :: 15 :: 2021-2022
on to school.

Tell us your story by emailing [email protected].
We would love to feature your program.

Responding to Coronavirus

Thank you to all of you who were instrumental
in the response to COVID-19.

We know that it was an incredibly difficult year, “An entire sponsoring organization for SFSP
and despite most providers being impacted by the and CACFP in California started with one kid
pandemic, you continued to provide nutritious, saying, ‘I’m hungry.’ Parents pick up meals for
healthy food to the children and adults in your their children (during COVID) and we serve over
care by whatever means necessary. We also 1,800 meals at a time.”
recognize and appreciate the efforts of Congress
and the USDA in support of feeding the nation -Kooking 4 Kids
through this time.

You are all heroes!

For important updates and waivers, please visit
cacfp.org/covid-19.

“We are using our buses to “We provide pre-packaged “Our chef makes and packs
deliver between 50-70 boxes a Grab & Go CACFP meals a week’s worth of meals,
week. It has been an emotional for eight childcare centers, including breakfast, lunch and
experience for everyone, but reaching over 250 children. a snack. Some parents say if
the delight that we bring has We are serving three meals it weren’t for us, their child
been inspirational.” per day, five days per week.” would not be eating.”

-Monadnock Adult Care Center -It Takes a Village to Feed One Child -Children’s Choice Academy

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A National Platform for the Child and Adult Care Food Program Community

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Know someone who isn't participating on the food program?
Help them get reimbursed for serving nutritious meals.
Connect them with Find a Sponsor at cacfp.org.