Meal Pattern Minute: Savory Pie Crusts

Chicken pot pie is a comfort food favorite because it is warm, savory and satisfying. But when it comes to serving it in a Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal, CACFP operators often ask: Can the pie crust count toward the grains component or will you need to add another additional grain? It’s a great question, especially when you're planning menus that meet meal pattern requirements and keep kids excited about meal time.  

Get the scoop by listening in to Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, as she breaks down how savory pie crusts fit into the CACFP meal pattern and what to watch out for when it comes to sweet pies. Transcript below. 

The answer is yes! Pie crusts of savory pies like chicken pot pies, quiches and hand pies can credit towards the grains component of the CACFP. Keep in mind that sweet pies like apples pies are considered grain-based desserts and that grain would not credit towards the CACFP grains component. 

Find out more about pies by reviewing the resources below. 

• USDA Crediting Grains in the Child Nutrition Programs Tip Sheet Part 1: Creditable Grains in the Child Nutrition Programs 
  • This guide provides information on what grains are creditable in the CACFP. So when looking for a pie crust, make sure it contains CACFP creditable grains. 
• Exhibit A Grain Requirements for Child Nutrition Programs 
  • This chart groups grain products as well as give the ounce equivalents and minimum serving sizes for each grain. Pie crusts are found under Group C and are considered a grain-based dessert in dessert pies, cobblers and fruit turnovers but creditable when used in meats/meat alternate pies.  
• Grain-Based Desserts in the CACFP 
  • An easy-to-read table identifying which grains are considered grain-based desserts and which grains that are creditable in the CACFP. 
• Try Rudy’s Hand Pie for as part of a fun, on-the-go lunch. 

Want to share this video on Facebook? Click here, and then you'll find three icons along the right side of the screen. Click on the arrow, and you'll be able to choose whether you want to share it to your feed or to a group. You can also include a short note about why this Meal Pattern Minute is so important! Click on the "Post" button when you're finished, and that's it!