Meal Pattern Minute: Creditable Foods from Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are full of fresh, colorful produce and locally made goods but can you use and credit those items in your Child and Adult Care Food Program menus? If you’ve ever walked past a stand of ripe tomatoes or freshly baked whole grain bread and wondered whether they’re creditable, you’re not alone. Many CACFP operators are looking for ways to support local agriculture while staying compliant with program guidelines. So, can you shop at a farmers market and still meet CACFP requirements?

Join Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, as she discusses whether local foods can be procured from a local farmers market as part of your creditable CACFP meals. Transcript below.

The answer is yes. CACFP operators can purchase CACFP creditable foods at a local farmers market, if the food meets local and State food safety standards.

For more information about purchasing local foods from a farmers market, review the resourceS below.

• Procuring Local Foods for Child Nutrition Programs 
  • This USDA guide walks you through the ins and outs of buying local foods for child nutrition programs. It covers procurement methods, vendor selection, and how to incorporate local foods into your menus while following federal regulations. It’s a great starting point for anyone new to Farm to CACFP efforts.
• Using Federal Funds to Purchase Local Foods 
  • This resource explains how CACFP operators can use federal reimbursement dollars to buy local foods. It breaks down allowable costs, purchasing strategies, and how to document your purchases to stay audit-ready. It’s especially helpful for sponsors looking to expand their local sourcing.
• Check out the National CACFP Association’s Farm to CACFP website!
  • Farm to CACFP works to connect CACFP settings to local food producers with the objectives of serving locally grown, healthy foods to children and adults, providing related nutrition education, and improving child nutrition. Review the resources on this site to get started.
• Webinar: Procuring Local Foods for Child Nutrition Programs ($) 
  • From beef in Texas to apples in Michigan and radishes in Rhode Island, local foods are on the menu for children across the country. Local procurement not only supports increasing economic opportunities for local farmers, but also helps child care institutions incorporate wholesome local foods into program meals and encourages children to make healthy food choices. Learn how local foods can meet meal pattern requirements, understand what is required when purchasing local foods, and get the resources you need for procuring them. Presented by Melissa Daigle-Katz, MPH, USDA Food and Nutrition Service and Lissa Ong, MPH, RDN, USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

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