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CACFP Regulations & Guidance

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Proposed Rule: Revisions to Meal Patterns to be Consistent with the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

February 7, 2023

The USDA released a document with proposed revisions to Child Nutrition Programs’ meal patterns in order to be consistent with the 2020 dietary guidelines for Americans. Key proposed changes that affect CACFP include:

1. New “added sugar” standards for breakfast cereals and yogurts
2. Flavored milk restrictions, dependent on age-group
3. Vegetables can be substituted for grains in programs that primarily serve American Indian or Alaska Native children
4. Nuts and seeds may credit for the full meat/meat alternate component
5. Terminology Changes

An array of heart shaped bowls filled with meat alternatives and surrounded by vegetables

Questions and Answers on Alternative Protein Products (APP)

October 4, 2022

Food and Nutrition Service released a guidance document on Alternative Protein Products (APP) including Questions and Answers to assist CACFP providers. It is important that CACFP providers understand how to use and properly credit APP in their programs.

CACFP Reimbursement and Cash in Lieu Rates Released 22-23

July 26, 2022

The USDA has released the Reimbursement and Cash in Lieu Rates for 22-23. Rates are effective beginning July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

Questions and Answers Regarding the 2022 Infant Formula Shortage

June 24, 2022

The ongoing infant formula shortage due to supply chain issues, which worsened due to a major formula recall in February 2022, has left many CACFP operators concerned about access to formula and their options for safely feeding infants in their care. Food and Nutrition Service has developed the following Questions and Answers to support CACFP operators and their families during the infant formula shortage.

Collection of Race and Ethnicity Data by Visual Observation and Identification in CACFP– Questions and Answers

June 13, 2022

This memorandum provides clarification on questions
related to the collection of race or ethnicity data now that
visual identification of race and ethnicity is no longer an
allowable practice in the Summer Food Service Program
(SFSP) and Child and Adult Care Food Program
(CACFP).