Meal Pattern Minute: Surimi

Surimi seafood is a paste typically made from fish. It is a good source of healthy fats and protein. Many recipes can incorporate surimi seafood, such as in sushi-style rolls, tacos, soups and seafood salads. However, many do not know if surimi seafood can be credited in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. And if so, what food component does it credit for and how much would need to be served in order to receive reimbursement in the CACFP?

 Get the answer by listening to our nutrition education specialist, Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, as she explains whether surimi seafood credits in the CACFP meal pattern.  

For more information about surimi and how it credits, review the policy memo, Crediting Surimi Seafood in the Child Nutrition Programs. Expanding food crediting in the CNPs to include surimi seafood allows program operators to add new and diverse menu items. Surimi seafood credits as of the date of this memorandum; however, FNS updated the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs to reflect the meal contributions described below. 

Program operators now may credit surimi seafood as follows: 

• A 4.4 ounce portion of surimi seafood credits as 1.5 ounce equivalent meat/meat alternate; 
• A 3.0 ounce portion of surimi seafood credits as 1.0 ounce equivalent meat/meat alternate; and 
• A 1.0 ounce portion of surimi seafood credits as 0.25 ounce equivalent meat/meat alternate. 

Want more information? Register for this free webinar at our Learning Center, Additional Meat/Meat Alternates Options for CNPs: Crediting Tempeh and Surimi, presented by USDA Team Nutrition. The webinar provides an overview of the crediting updates resulting from the Request for Information and provides crediting technical assistance with hands-on practice specifically for tempeh and surimi. 

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