Meal Pattern Minute: Homemade Cheese

Cheese is a popular food in many Child Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Cheeses are made in different ways and may include additional ingredients. Examples of cheeses that are creditable in the CACFP include natural cheese, processed cheese, cheese spread, and pasteurized processed cheese food. But what about homemade cheese? Is this type of cheese creditable in the CACFP? 

Listen to this Meal Pattern Minute where Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, explains whether homemade cheese can count toward a reimbursable meal. See transcript below. 

Transcript: The answer is no. Homemade cheese is not creditable in the CACFP. Because homemade cheese is prepared outside of a regulated, commercial process, there are potential food safety concerns. CACFP operators must use commercially prepared cheeses that meet CACFP requirements. 

For more information one which cheese credit in the CACFP, refer to the links below. 

• USDA Crediting Handbook for the CACFP
  • This handbook explains how different foods, including cheese, credit toward CACFP meals. 
• USDA Crediting Meats/Meat Alternates in the Child Nutrition Program Tip Sheet 
  • A quick reference on how to credit creditable cheese in the CACFP. 
• Feeding Infants in the CACFP 
  • Not all cheeses are creditable in the infant meal pattern, review this handbook to know which credit. 
• Webinar: Provolone, Mozzarella, and Cheddar, Oh My! Crediting Cheese in the CACFP ($) 
  • Cheese is more than just a delicious addition to meals, ; it plays a crucial role in meeting nutritional requirements. However, the variety of cheeses available, including the plant-based options, can make measurement and crediting a challenging task. Learn to navigate how cheese is creditable in the CACFP, understand the rules and regulations, and accurately measure the different types of cheeses in CACFP settings. Discover cheesy tips and new recipes to add to your menu. 

Cheese can be used in various ways in the CACFP. Try this Bean Burrito Bowl, where it combines pinto beans with shredded cheese, tomatoes, green onion, cilantro and spices, served over brown rice. 

• Bean Burrito Bowl (Makes 6 servings)
• Bean Burrito Bowl (Makes 25-50 servings)

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