Meal Pattern Minute: Water Chestnuts

When evaluating foods for Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal pattern compliance, operators may encounter ingredients that are less common. Water chestnuts are frequently used in stir-fries, casseroles and other savory dishes, which can lead to questions about whether they can count toward the vegetables component. Understanding how foods are credited helps ensure meals meet programming requirements while offering participants a variety of nutritious options.  

Get the answer by listening in to this Meal Pattern Minute as Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, explains how water chestnuts can fit into CACFP meals.

Transcript: The answer is yes. Water chestnuts are an aquatic vegetable that may be credited toward the vegetables component in the CACFP. Known for their crisp texture, they are commonly used in stir-fries and other savory dishes, making them a versatile way to add variety to meals. 

Adding a variety of vegetables to menus can help create appealing meals while meeting CACFP requirements. Be sure to explore the resources below and stay current with USDA guidance to confidently credit foods such as water chestnuts in your program. 

• USDA Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs 
  • Use the Food Buying Guide to determine how vegetables, including less common types, contribute to meal pattern requirements. 
• Crediting Vegetables in the Child Nutrition Programs Tip Sheet
  • A USDA resource that provides guidance on how different vegetables contribute toward meal pattern requirements. 
• Meal Pattern Minutes 
  • Explore additional Meal Pattern Minute videos and resources covering common meal pattern questions. 

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