Meal Pattern Minute: Crediting Fruits

Fruits are a colorful, kid-favorite component of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meals but are you measuring and crediting them correctly? Whether you're scooping applesauce, serving fruit cups, or sprinkling raisins into oatmeal, knowing how fruits credit is essential for meeting meal pattern requirements and avoiding common mistakes. Let’s break down the basics so you can serve with confidence. 

 Hear a concise explanation in this Meal Pattern Minute with Isabel Ramos Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, as she explains how to credit fruit plus one key exception you’ll want to remember. Transcript can be found below. 

How are fruits measured and credited in the CACFP?
Fruits in the CACFP are measured by volume, not weight, and are credited based on the amount served. For example, if you serve a ½ cup of apple slices this credits as a ½ cup toward the fruits component. There is one exception and that is dried fruits where dried fruit credits at twice the volume served. For example, if you are serving ¼ cup raisins, this would credit as ½ cup fruits. 

Here are resources you can use right away to check crediting, plan menus, and ensure compliance: 

• USDA Crediting Fruits in the Child Nutrition Programs Tip Sheet 
  • A quick, practical guide designed to help CACFP operators correctly credit fruits in meals and snacks.  
• USDA Crediting Handbook for the CACFP 
  • A goto guide explaining exactly how different food items including fruits and dried fruits are credited in the meal pattern. 
• Meal Pattern Minute Archive 
  • Browse past quickhit videos to strengthen your understanding of CACFP crediting.
• Webinar: Fruits in the CACFP ($) 
  • Fruit not only adds color and sweetness to a meal but provides essential nutrients too! Whether fresh, frozen, canned or dried, they provide the vitamins and fiber that growing children need. Explore the creditable fruits in the CACFP, required serving sizes and methods, and best practices for adding fruits to meals to support healthy growth. 
• Breakfast on a Stick: A Fun Twist to Start the Day! 
  • Looking to brighten up your breakfast menu with something that’s kidapproved, easy to serve, and fully creditable in the CACFP? Try Breakfast on a Stick! This creative idea from the National CACFP Association brings together nutritious breakfast components in a playful, grabandgo format that children love and providers appreciate. 

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