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Meal Pattern Minute

Looking for quick tips on some of the CACFP's hottest topics? Our nutrition education specialist, Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, is here to help! Be sure to follow us on Instagram or on Facebook for more tips, recipes and resources!

Meal Pattern Minute: Serving Pancakes to Infants

What’s the deal with pancakes? Are they reimbursable in the CACFP? What about for 6 to 11 month olds?

Meal Pattern Minute: Serving Turkey Bacon and Turkey Sausage

You asked, and we are here to answer: are turkey sausage and turkey bacon creditable in the CACFP?

Meal Pattern Minute: Herbs and Spices

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?

Meal Pattern Minute: Crediting Coconut

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?

Meal Pattern Minute: Almond Milk as a Fluid Milk Substitute

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!

Meal Pattern Minute: Crediting Popcorn

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

Meal Pattern Minute: Crediting Dried Fruit

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?

Meal Pattern Minute: Muffins vs. Doughnuts

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

Meal Pattern Minute: Crediting Beans

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

Meal Pattern Minute: Creating a Breastfeeding-Friendly Environment

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!

Meal Pattern Minute: Sour Cream & Cream Cheese

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

Meal Pattern Minute: Breakfast Components

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

Meal Pattern Minute: Crediting Leafy Greens

How much leafy greens do you have to serve to meet the minimum meal pattern requirement for a vegetable?

Meal Pattern Minute: Serving Nuts & Seeds

Can peanuts, tree nuts, seeds or soy nuts be served to meet the full meat/meat alternate for a meal?

Meal Pattern Minute: Fruit & Milk Smoothies at Breakfast

Can you be reimbursed for a breakfast for serving a smoothie made of milk and fruits or vegetables? Well, yes, but you’re going to need some details.

Meal Pattern Minute: Serving Yogurt with Added Sugar

Can you serve yogurt with added sugars? Watch the video to hear the answer straight from our own nutrition education specialist.

Meal Pattern Minute: Serving a Second Vegetable in Lieu of Fruit for Lunch and/or Supper

Can you be reimbursed for a second vegetable at lunch or supper in lieu of a fruit? Let’s find out!