Meal Pattern Minute: Ravioli

When reviewing menus, questions about combination foods often come up, and ravioli is a great example. Ravioli contains both a grain and a meat/meat alternate component filling such as cheese or ground beef, or a vegetable filling such as butternut sqaush. Determining whether it is creditable in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requires further investigation. Understanding what documentation is required can help ensure meals meet CACFP meal pattern requirements and are properly credited. 

Tune in to this Meal Pattern Minute as Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, explains what CACFP operators need to know about crediting ravioli in the CACFP. 

Transcript: The answer is that it depends. Ravioli may be creditable in the CACFP if the amounts of the grain and meat/meat alternate components can be documented. For commercially prepared ravioli, this is typically done through a CN Label or a Product Formulation Statement. For homemade ravioli, a standardized recipe with crediting information per serving is needed to determine how the product contributes to the meal pattern. 

Proper documentation is key when serving combination foods like ravioli. Be sure to review product records, CN Labels, Product Formulation Statements or standardized recipes to verify meal pattern contributions. Explore the resources below and stay up to date with CACFP guidance to ensure your menus remain compliant and nutritious. 

• USDA CACFP Crediting Handbook 
  • Guidance on crediting common foods served in the CACFP and documenting meal pattern requirements in the CACFP. 
• Crediting Meats/Meat Alternates in the Child Nutrition Programs Tip Sheet 
  • A USDA resource that explains how meat and meat alternate foods are credited across Child Nutrition Programs, including documentation requirements when needed. 
• Crediting Vegetables in the Child Nutrition Programs Tip Sheet 
  • A USDA resource that explains how vegetables are credited across Child Nutrition Programs, including documentation requirements when needed. 
• Crediting Grains in the Child Nutrition Programs Tip Sheet 
  • A USDA resource that explains how grain products are credited across Child Nutrition Programs, including documentation requirements when needed. 
• CN Labeling Program 
  • Use USDA’s resources on CN labels an Product Formulation Statements, including samples and the CN report. 
• Meal Pattern Minutes 
  • Explore additional Meal Pattern Minutes videos and resources covering common meal pattern questions. 
• Webinar Recommendations 
  • Crediting Recipes Step-by-Step ($) 
    • Through a step-by-step walkthrough, participants will learn how to identify creditable components, use essential tools, and document meal contributions accurately.  
  • CN Labels & PFS Made Simple ($) 
    • Participants will learn practical tools to determine when and how to request documentation and sharpen your detective skills to identify discrepancies, ensuring everything is compliant and running smoothly.

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