Meal Pattern Minute: Potato Chips

When trying to think of vegetables to add into a lunch, supper or snack in the Child and Adult Care Food Program meal pattern, the idea of serving snack or vegetable chips like potato chips may come to mind. There are many different types of potato chips whether they are baked, fried, and/or flavored. But are they creditable in the CACFP meal pattern? 

 Well, it only takes a minute to find out! Listen to our nutrition education specialist, Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, to learn more about whether potato chips are creditable in the CACFP.   

For more information, refer to the Vegetables Section of the Crediting Handbook for the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Other Foods Section of the USDA Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs. 

•  Potato chips and other vegetable chips contain many different variations in ingredients and are not creditable. These products are high in fat and sodium and should be served on a limited frequency. See the Other Foods section in the Food Buying Guide for purchasing information.
•  The Other Foods section in the Food Buying Guide is the description of foods that DO NOT meet the meal pattern requirements. These items are included for your convenience since they are frequently used as condiments and seasonings to round out the meal, improve acceptability, and satisfy children’s or adults’ appetites. Child Nutrition Program operators may include these foods in small portions.

Want to add a crunchy vegetable to your meal? Try one of these recipes below! 

• Parmesan Zucchini Chips  
• Sour Cucumber Bites 

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