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Resource | Policy Initial Implementation Memorandum: Child Nutrition Programs - Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-2025 DGAs

On April 25, 2024, FNS published the final rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This rule includes minor updates to the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program to better align Child Nutrition Program requirements. These updates represent continued progress toward supporting the nutrition quality of school meals, strengthening the Child Nutrition Programs, and advancing USDA’s commitment to nutrition security. 

SP 19-2024, CACFP 07-2024, SFSP 12-2024
05/17/2024
Resource | Policy Memos Revised: Crediting Tofu and Soy Yogurt Products in the School Meal Programs, CACFP, and SFSP

This memorandum provides updated guidance on crediting tofu and soy yogurt products in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and extends previous guidance on crediting tofu and soy yogurt products to the Summer Food Service Program, as well as to the infant meal pattern in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

SP 02-2024, CACFP 02-2024, SFSP 02-2024
11/29/2023
Resource | Policy Feeding Infants and Meal Pattern Requirements in the Child and Adult Care Food Program; Questions and Answers (Revised September 2023)

This memorandum provides updated guidance on feeding infants and the infant meal pattern requirements. This revision incorporates updated breastmilk storage recommendations, infant formula food safety considerations, and information on crediting grains in ounce equivalents.

CACFP 11-2023
09/20/2023
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Manual de acreditación para el CACFP

El Manual de acreditación para el Programa de Alimentos para el Cuidado de Niños y Adultos (CACFP, por sus siglas en inglés) refleja los requisitos actualizados del patrón de comidas del CACFP.

FNS-425-S
08/07/2023
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Crediting Handbook for CACFP

The Crediting Handbook for the Child and Adult Care Food Program reflects the updated CACFP meal pattern requirements, which became effective October 2017.

FNS-425
05/08/2023
Resource | Policy Memos Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022: Effect on Child Nutrition Programs

This memorandum provides notice to CNP operators regarding Sections 740, 751, and 752 of Division A of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, enacted on March 15, 2022. 

 

SP08-2022, CACFP07-2022, SFSP03-2022
04/04/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Question & Answer Guidance on the Final Rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Transitional Standards Effective July 1, 2022

These questions and answers provide guidance for recently published transitional standards for milk, whole grains and sodium.

SP04-2022, CACFP04-2022
03/02/2022
Resource | Notices CACFP Meal Pattern Revisions Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010; Correcting Amendments

On Oct. 18, 2021, the Food and Nutrition Service revised rules concerning meal pattern tables for the National School Lunch Program and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The document contained incorrect table entries. This document corrects the final regulations.

01/27/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Nationwide Waivers of Child Nutrition Monitoring

FNS has used its authority under FFRCA to waive certain onsite monitoring requirements for the school meals programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program, so that programs can to maintain program integrity and support social distancing while providing meals. 

11/12/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0093 Pandemic EBT – State Plans for 2021-22

This document provides information to states to assist in the development of state plans to operate Pandemic EBT for school children and children in child care.

08/26/2021
Page updated: October 14, 2021