1. NEW Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Meal Pattern
Requirements for Pre-K in the NSLP and SBP
Welcome! This training will highlight the new preschool meal pattern requirements per the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): Meal Pattern Revisions Related to the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010 Final Rule.
This rule revised the meal pattern requirements for infants and preschool children in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs under 7 CFR and 220.8, respectively, to match the CACFP meal pattern requirements.

2. Overview NEW Preschool Meal Patterns USDA Questions & Answers
Best Practices
Test Your Knowledge
This training will discuss the new requirements for preschool meal patterns, review questions and answers from The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), share optional best practices and will end with a quick quiz to test your knowledge of the new rule as it relates to preschool students.
Please print and refer to the updated preschool meal pattern chart as you review this training.
This chart can be found here:
*Please refer to the notes section at the bottom of each slide as you review this training.

3. Regulatory Process Comment period and development of final rule
Proposed Rule published: January 15, 2015
Final Rule published:
April 25, 2016
Implementation:
October 1, 2017
Before we discuss the new preschool meal pattern requirements, let’s briefly review the regulatory process for the final rule.
The proposed rule, “Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): Meal Pattern Revisions Related to the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010,” was published on January 15, 2015 and was then open to the public for comment. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) analyzed all comments and used this information to develop the final rule.
The final rule was published in the Federal Register on April 25, 2016 and establishes an implementation date of October 1, 2017, meaning that schools who serve preschool students as part of the NSLP and/or SBP will need to comply with the new meal patterns by this date.
Sponsors are permitted to implement the entire preschool meal pattern on the first day of the school year (or prior to October 1, 2017).

4. meal pattern is not permitted.
Implementation Plan
ALL sponsors serving preschool students must be in compliance with the new preschool meal pattern requirements discussed in this training by October 1, 2017.
Sponsors may implement the new preschool meal pattern requirements on the 1st day of the school year.
Reminder: Prior to October 1, 2017, implementation of any new meal pattern practices that conflict with the current preschool
meal pattern is not permitted.
ALL sponsors serving preschool (ages 1-4) must be in compliance with the new preschool meal pattern requirements discussed in this training by October 1, 2017.
Sponsors may implement the new preschool meal pattern requirements on the first day of the school year for an easier transition.
As a reminder, prior to October 1, 2017, implementation of any new meal pattern practices that conflict with the current infant meal pattern is not permitted.

5. Clarification on the Preschool Grade Group
Children 1-4 years of age are considered to be in the preschool age group in the NSLP and SBP.
In situations where a 5 year old is in preschool or a 4 year old is in kindergarten, a sponsor may continue to serve the meal pattern appropriate for that grade.
The final rule maintains the flexibility to serve a single menu when preschool and elementary school students are in the same cafeteria at the same time.
For clarification purposes, children 1-4 years of age are considered to be in the preschool age group in the NSLP and SBP and must follow the new CACFP meal patterns. The new CACFP preschool meal patterns are split into two groups for ages 1-2 and ages 3-5.
In situations where a 5 year old is in preschool or a 4 year old is in kindergarten, a sponsor may continue to serve the meal pattern appropriate for that grade.
The final rule maintains the flexibility to serve a single menu that meets both the elementary and preschool meal pattern standards when preschool and elementary school students are in the same cafeteria at the same time.

6. NEW Preschool Meal Patterns
Breakfast
Please review the new preschool meal pattern requirements chart for breakfast and note the following:
All three components must be served for a reimbursable meal.
Milk must be unflavored whole milk for children age 1 or unflavored low-fat (1%) or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk for children two to five years old.
Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the fruit or vegetable requirement at one meal, including snack, per day.
At least one serving of grains per day, across all eating occasions, must be whole grain-rich. Grain-based desserts do not count towards meeting the grains component.
Meat and meat alternates may be used to meet the entire grains requirement at breakfast a maximum of three times a week. One ounce of meat and meat alternates may be served in place of ounce equivalent of grains.
Beginning October 1, 2019 ounce equivalents will be used to determine the quantity of creditable grains.
Breakfast cereals must contain no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce (no more than 21.2 grams of sugar per 100 grams of dry cereal).
Beginning October 1, 2019 the minimum serving size specified for each type of ready-to-eat breakfast cereals (flakes or rounds, puffed cereal and granola) must be served. Until then, the minimum serving size for any type of ready to eat breakfast cereal is ¼ cup for children ages 1-2 and 1/3 cup for children ages 3-5.

7. Key Takeaways: Preschool Breakfast
All three components must be served for a reimbursable meal.
MILK must be unflavored whole milk for children age 1 or unflavored low-fat (1%) or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk for preschool children. Flavored milk is not allowed!
At least ONE serving of grains per day, across all eating occasions, must be whole grain-rich.
GRAIN-BASED DESSERTS do not count towards meeting the grains component for any meal or snack.
OUNCE EQUIVALENTS (oz. eq.) will be used to determine the amount of creditable grains (starting October 1, 2019).
Please note the following key takeaways for preschool breakfast:
All three components must be served for a reimbursable meal.
Milk must be unflavored whole milk for children age 1 or unflavored low-fat (1%) or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk for preschool children. Flavored milk is not allowed!
At least one serving of grains per day, across all eating occasions, must be whole grain-rich.
Grain-based desserts do not count towards meeting the grains component for any preschool meal or snack.
Ounce equivalents (oz. eq.) will be used to determine the amount of creditable grains (starting October 1, 2019).

8. Defining Grain-Based Desserts
The final rule defines grain-based desserts as those foods in USDA’s “Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs” Exhibit A, which are denoted with superscripts 3 and 4.
The following are no longer allowed in a reimbursable meal for preschool students:
Sweet crackers (graham crackers, animal crackers)
Cookies
Sweet pie crust (Dessert pies, cobbler, fruit turnovers)
Doughnuts (Frosted and unfrosted)
Sweet rolls (Frosted and unfrosted)
Toaster pastries (Frosted and unfrosted)
Granola bars (Plain or with add-ins)
Cake
Brownies
Effective October 2019
The Dietary Guidelines identify grain-based desserts as sources of added sugars and saturated fats. To better align the CACFP meal patterns with the Dietary Guidelines, grain-based desserts cannot count towards the grain requirement at any meal or snack under the updated CACFP meal patterns (7 CFR (a)(4)(iii)), which applies to preschool children in the NSLP and SBP.
The final rule defines grain-based desserts as those foods in USDA’s “Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs” Exhibit A, which are denoted with superscripts 3 and 4.The full Exhibit A chart is located on pages 6-8 of USDA’s Grain Requirements in the Child and Adult Care Food Program; Questions and Answers guidance found here:
This means that the following are not allowed in a reimbursable meal: sweet crackers (graham crackers-all shapes, animal crackers), cookies, sweet pie crust (Dessert pies, cobbler, fruit turnovers), doughnuts (Frosted and unfrosted), sweet rolls (Frosted and unfrosted), toaster pastries (Frosted and unfrosted), granola bars (Plain or with add-ins), cake and brownies.
USDA recognizes that schools may want to occasionally serve grain-based desserts, such as for class celebrations. As a reminder, schools continue to have the flexibility to serve grain-based desserts as an additional food item that is not reimbursable.

9. Additional Key Takeaways: Preschool Breakfast
JUICE is limited to once per day (including snack).
Meat and meat alternates may substitute the ENTIRE grains component at breakfast a maximum of three times per week.
YOGURT must contain no more than 23 grams of sugar per 6 ounces.
BREAKFAST CEREALS must contain no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce.
Please note the following additional key takeaways for preschool breakfast:
Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the fruit or vegetable requirement at one meal, including snack, per day.
Meat and meat alternates may substitute the entire grains component at breakfast a maximum of three times per week. In addition, the new preschool meal patterns allow tofu to be served as a meat/meat alternate.
Yogurt must contain no more than 23 grams of sugar per 6 ounces.
Breakfast cereals must contain no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce (no more than 21.2 grams of sugar per 100 grams of dry cereal). Breakfast cereals include ready-to-eat cereals, instant and hot cereals. This new requirement will help further reduce the intake of added sugars, as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines.
The Nutrition Facts Label on the cereal’s package can be used to calculate the sugar content per dry ounce.
First, find the serving size in grams at the top of the label and the grams of sugars listed towards the middle.
Next, divide the total grams of sugar by the serving size grams.
If the answer is less than or equal to 0.212, then the cereal is within the required sugar limit and would be a creditable grain component.
The final rule reduces added sugar consumption by placing maximum limits on sugar in breakfast cereals and yogurts.

10. NEW Preschool Meal Patterns
Lunch and Supper
Please review the new preschool meal pattern requirements chart for lunch and supper and note the following:
All five components must be served for a reimbursable meal.
Milk must be unflavored whole milk for children age 1 or unflavored low-fat (1 percent) or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk for children two to five years old.
Alternate protein products must meet the requirements in Appendix A Part 226.
Yogurt must contain no more than 23 grams of sugar per 6 ounces
Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the fruit or vegetable requirement at one meal, including snack, per day.
A vegetable may be used to meet the entire fruit requirement at lunch or supper. When two vegetables are served at lunch or supper, two different kinds of vegetables must be served.
At least one serving per day, across all eating occasions, must be whole grain-rich. Grain-based deserts do not count towards the grain requirement.
Beginning October 1, 2019 ounce equivalents will be used to determine the quantity of creditable grains.
Breakfast cereals must contain no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce (no more than 21.2 grams of sugar per 100 grams of dry cereal).

11. Key Takeaways: Preschool Lunch and Supper
All five components must be served for a reimbursable meal.
MILK must be unflavored whole milk for children age 1 or unflavored low-fat (1%) or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk for preschool children. Flavored milk is not allowed!
At least ONE serving of grains per day, across all eating occasions, must be whole grain-rich.
GRAIN-BASED DESSERTS do not count towards meeting the grains component for any meal or snack.
OUNCE EQUIVALENTS (oz. eq.) will be used to determine the amount of creditable grains (starting October 1, 2019).
Please note the following key takeaways for preschool lunch and supper:
All five components must be served for a reimbursable meal.
Milk must be unflavored whole milk for children age 1 or unflavored low-fat (1%) or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk for preschool children. Flavored milk is not allowed!
At least one serving of grains per day, across all eating occasions, must be whole grain-rich.
Grain-based desserts do not count towards meeting the grains component for any preschool meal or snack.
Ounce equivalents (oz. eq.) will be used to determine the amount of creditable grains (starting October 1, 2019).

12. Additional Key Takeaways: Preschool Lunch and Supper
JUICE is limited to once per day (including snack).
A vegetable may be used to meet the ENTIRE fruit requirement.
When TWO VEGETABLES are served at lunch or supper, two DIFFERENT kinds must be served (e.g. broccoli and carrots).
ALTERNATE PROTEIN PRODUCTS must meet the requirements in Appendix A Part 226.
YOGURT must contain no more than 23 grams of sugar per 6 ounces.
BREAKFAST CEREALS must contain no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce.
Please note the additional key takeaways for preschool lunch and supper:
Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the fruit or vegetable requirement at one meal, including snack, per day.
A vegetable may be used to meet the ENTIRE fruit requirement. When two vegetables are served at lunch or supper, two different kinds must be served, such as broccoli and carrots. *Note-the vegetables do not have to come from two different subgroups (e.g. dark green, red/orange).
Alternate protein products must meet the requirements in Appendix A Part 226.
Yogurt must contain no more than 23 grams of sugar per 6 ounces.
Breakfast cereals must contain no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce (no more than 21.2 grams of sugar per 100 grams of dry cereal). Breakfast cereals include ready-to-eat cereals, instant and hot cereals. This new requirement will help further reduce the intake of added sugars, as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines.
The Nutrition Facts Label on the cereal’s package can be used to calculate the sugar content per dry ounce.
First, find the serving size in grams at the top of the label and the grams of sugars listed towards the middle.
Next, divide the total grams of sugar by the serving size grams.
If the answer is less than or equal to 0.212, then the cereal is within the required sugar limit and would be a creditable grain component.

13. NEW Preschool Meal Patterns
Snack
Please review the new preschool meal pattern requirements chart for snack and note the following:
Select two of the five components for a reimbursable snack. Only one of the components may be a beverage.
Milk must be unflavored whole milk for children age 1 or unflavored low-fat (1 percent) or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk for children two to five years old.
Alternate protein products must meet the requirements in Appendix A Part 226.
Yogurt must contain no more than 23 grams of sugar per 6 ounces
Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the fruit or vegetable requirement at one meal, including snack, per day.
At least one serving per day, across all eating occasions, must be whole grain-rich. Grain-based deserts do not count towards the grain requirement.
Beginning October 1, 2019 ounce equivalents will be used to determine the quantity of creditable grains.
Breakfast cereals must contain no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce (no more than 21.2 grams of sugar per 100 grams of dry cereal).
Beginning October 1, 2019 the minimum serving size specified for each type of ready-to-eat breakfast cereals (flakes or rounds, puffed cereal and granola) must be served. Until then, the minimum serving size for any type of ready to eat breakfast cereal is ¼ cup for children ages 1-2 and 1/3 cup for children ages 3-5.

14. Key Takeaways: Preschool Snack
Select TWO of the FIVE components for a reimbursable snack. Only one of the components may be a beverage.
MILK must be unflavored whole milk for children age 1 or unflavored low-fat (1%) or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk for preschool children. Flavored milk is not allowed!
At least ONE serving of grains per day, across all eating occasions, must be whole grain-rich.
GRAIN-BASED DESSERTS do not count towards meeting the grains component for any meal or snack.
OUNCE EQUIVALENTS (oz. eq.) will be used to determine the amount of creditable grains (starting October 1, 2019).
Please note the following key takeaways for preschool lunch and supper:
Select two of the five components for a reimbursable snack. Only one of the components may be a beverage.
Milk must be unflavored whole milk for children age 1 or unflavored low-fat (1%) or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk for preschool children. Flavored milk is not allowed!
At least one serving of grains per day, across all eating occasions, must be whole grain-rich.
Grain-based desserts do not count towards meeting the grains component for any preschool meal or snack.
Ounce equivalents (oz. eq.) will be used to determine the amount of creditable grains (starting October 1, 2019).

15. Additional Key Takeaways: Preschool Snack
JUICE is limited to once per day (including snack).
ALTERNATE PROTEIN PRODUCTS must meet the requirements in Appendix A Part 226.
YOGURT must contain no more than 23 grams of sugar per 6 ounces.
BREAKFAST CEREALS must contain no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce.
Please note the additional key takeaways for preschool snack:
Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the fruit or vegetable requirement at one meal, including snack, per day.
Alternate protein products must meet the requirements in Appendix A Part 226.
Yogurt must contain no more than 23 grams of sugar per 6 ounces.
Breakfast cereals must contain no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce (no more than 21.2 grams of sugar per 100 grams of dry cereal). Breakfast cereals include ready-to-eat cereals, instant and hot cereals. This new requirement will help further reduce the intake of added sugars, as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines. The Nutrition Facts Label on the cereal’s package can be used to calculate the sugar content per dry ounce.
First, find the serving size in grams at the top of the label and the grams of sugars listed towards the middle.
Next, divide the total grams of sugar by the serving size grams.
If the answer is less than or equal to 0.212, then the cereal is within the required sugar limit and would be a creditable grain component.

16. Additional Provisions
The final rule removed the option to use offer versus serve (OVS) for meals served to children 0 through 4 years old in the NSLP and SBP.
Generally, OVS is not considered to be appropriate for preschool children because it may interfere with child nutrition program goals and the school’s efforts to introduce new foods to children.
The new preschool meal patterns also prohibit the use of food and beverages as a reward or punishment.
The final rule not only revised the NSLP and SBP meal patterns for children 0 to 4 years old to reflect the CACFP’s meal patterns, but it removed the option to use offer verses serve for meals served to children 0 to 4 years old. Generally, OVS is not considered to be appropriate for preschool children because it may interfere with CACFP goals and efforts to introduce new foods to children.
In addition, the new preschool meal patterns prohibit the use of food and beverages as a reward or punishment.
It also revises the Special Milk Program milk requirements to match CACFP’s milk requirements.
These changes were made to increase consistency among the Child Nutrition Programs and to ensure that all preschool children are receiving the same nutritious meals.

17. USDA Questions and Answers: Grains
Please review the USDA Questions and Answers regarding the grain requirements for preschool students (ages 1-4) participating in the NSLP and SBP under the CACFP final rule.

18. Questions and Answers
Do schools have the discretion to choose which meals will include a whole grain-rich grain for preschool students?
Yes, schools may choose to serve a whole grain-rich item at any
meal or snack for preschool students as long as one grain per day over the course of all the meals and snacks served that day is whole grain-rich.
For example, a school may serve a whole grain-rich cereal at breakfast one day and a whole grain-rich pasta at lunch the next day.
This will help expose participants to a variety of whole grains and the wide range of vitamins and minerals whole grains provide.
Question 1: Do schools have the discretion to choose which meals will include a whole grain-rich grain for preschool students?
Answer: Yes, schools may choose to serve a whole grain-rich item at any meal or snack for preschool students as long as one grain per day over the course of all the meals and snacks served that day is whole grain-rich.
For example, a school may serve a whole grain-rich cereal at breakfast one day and a whole grain-rich pasta at lunch the next day.
This will help expose participants to a variety of whole grains and the wide range of vitamins and minerals whole grains provide.

19. Questions and Answers
2. Why are grain-based desserts no longer allowed to contribute to the grain component of a meal?
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Dietary Guidelines) identify grain-based desserts as sources of added sugars and saturated fats
and recommends Americans reduce their consumption of added sugars and saturated fats.
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 required USDA to revise the CACFP meal patterns to better align them with the Dietary Guidelines.
Therefore, in order to be more consistent with the Dietary Guidelines, grain-based desserts cannot be counted towards the grain components in CACFP, (which applies to preschool children in the NSLP and SBP), starting October 1, 2017.
Question 2: Why are grain-based desserts no longer allowed to contribute to the grain component of a meal?
Answer: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Dietary Guidelines) identify grain-based desserts as sources of added sugars and saturated fats and recommends Americans reduce their consumption of added sugars and saturated fats. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 required USDA to revise the CACFP meal patterns to better align them with the Dietary Guidelines. Therefore, in order to be more consistent with the Dietary Guidelines, grain-based desserts cannot be counted towards the grain components in CACFP, (which applies to preschool children in the NSLP and SBP), starting October 1, 2017.

20. Questions and Answers
3. Are homemade granola bars or other homemade grain-based desserts allowed?
No, homemade and commercially prepared grain-based desserts cannot count towards the grain component in CACFP starting October 1, There are no exceptions to allow a grain-based dessert to count towards the grain component, including the place of preparation or the preparation method.
4. Are quick breads, such as banana breads and zucchini bread, still allowed?
Yes, quick breads are credited in the same group as muffins under Group D in Exhibit A, and both may continue to contribute towards the grain component.
Question 3: Are homemade granola bars or other homemade grain-based desserts allowed?
Answer: No, homemade and commercially prepared grain-based desserts cannot count towards the grain component in CACFP starting October 1, There are no exceptions to allow a grain-based dessert to count towards the grain component, including the place of preparation or the preparation method.
Question 4: Are quick breads, such as banana breads and zucchini bread, still allowed?
Answer: Yes, quick breads are credited in the same group as muffins under Group D in Exhibit A, and both may continue to contribute towards the grain component.

21. Questions and Answers
5. Pancakes and waffles are not grain-based desserts according to Exhibit A. If syrup, honey, jam or another sweet topping is served with the pancakes or waffles, are they then considered grain-based desserts?
No, adding a sweet topping, such as syrup, to pancakes or waffles does not make them grain-based desserts and they can continue to be counted towards the grain component.
However, FNS strongly encourages schools to explore healthier alternatives for toppings, such as fruit or yogurt. Minimizing sweet toppings will help reduce children’s and adults’ consumption of added sugars.
When sugars are added to foods and beverages to sweeten them, they add calories without contributing essential nutrients.
Question 5: Pancakes and waffles are not grain-based desserts according to Exhibit A. If syrup, honey, jam or another sweet topping is served with the pancakes or waffles, are they then considered grain-based desserts?
Answer: No, adding a sweet topping, such as syrup, to pancakes or waffles does not make them grain-based desserts and they can continue to be counted towards the grain component.
However, USDA strongly encourages schools to explore healthier alternatives for toppings, such as fruit or yogurt. Minimizing sweet toppings will help reduce children’s and adults’ consumption of added sugars.
When sugars are added to foods and beverages to sweeten them, they add calories without contributing essential nutrients.

22. Questions and Answers
6. When submitting menus for review, do schools need to document which grain foods are whole grain-rich?
Yes, starting no later October 1, 2017, schools must document when a food is whole grain-rich on their menu and may do this by using terms such as “whole grain-rich,” “whole wheat,” or simply listing a whole grain.
For example, a menu may say: “peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole grain-rich bread,” “whole wheat pasta and chicken,” or “brown rice and vegetables.”
Common and usual names for whole grains that are helpful to know and can be used to identify whole grain-rich foods on menus are:
The word “whole” listed before a grain (e.g. whole wheat or whole corn);
The words “berries” and “groats” are used to designate a whole grain, such as “wheat berries” or “oat groats;”
Rolled oats and oatmeal (including old fashioned, quick cooking, and instant oatmeal); and
Other whole-grain foods that do not use the word “whole” in their description, such as brown rice, brown rice flour, wild rice, quinoa, millet, triticale, teff, amaranth, buckwheat, and sorghum.
Question 6: When submitting menus for review, do schools need to document which grain foods are whole grain-rich?
Answer: Yes, starting no later October 1, 2017, schools must document when a food is whole grain-rich on their menu and may do this by using terms such as “whole grain-rich,” “whole wheat,” or simply listing a whole grain.
For example, a menu may say: “peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole grain-rich bread,” “whole wheat pasta and chicken,” or “brown rice and vegetables.”
Common and usual names for whole grains that are helpful to know and can be used to identify whole grain-rich foods on menus are:
The word “whole” listed before a grain (e.g. whole wheat or whole corn);
The words “berries” and “groats” are used to designate a whole grain, such as “wheat berries” or “oat groats;”
Rolled oats and oatmeal (including old fashioned, quick cooking, and instant oatmeal); and
Other whole-grain foods that do not use the word “whole” in their description, such as brown rice, brown rice flour, wild rice, quinoa, millet, triticale, teff, amaranth, buckwheat, and sorghum.

23. Questions and Answers
7. If a program only serves snacks to preschool students, would all the grains served at snack have to be whole grain-rich?
Yes, if the snack includes a grain, such as crackers with apples, the grain must be whole grain-rich starting October 1, 2017.
However, programs that only serve snack are not required to serve a grain at snack because it is not a required component at snack. A program may offer a reimbursable snack with a fruit and vegetable, milk and fruit, a meat alternate and vegetable, and so forth.
Conversely, if a school only serves one meal (breakfast, lunch or supper) to preschool students per day then the grain served at that meal must be whole grain-rich.
Question 7: If a program only serves snacks to preschool students, would all the grains served at snack have to be whole grain-rich?
Answer: Yes, if the snack includes a grain, such as crackers with apples, the grain must be whole grain-rich starting October 1, However, programs that only serve snack are not required to serve a grain at snack because it is not a required component at snack. A program may offer a reimbursable snack with a fruit and vegetable, milk and fruit, a meat alternate and vegetable, and so forth. Conversely, if a school only serves one meal (breakfast, lunch or supper) to preschool students per day then the grain served at that meal must be whole grain-rich.

24. USDA Questions and Answers: Milk
Please review the USDA Questions and Answers regarding the milk requirements for preschool students (ages 1-4) participating in the NSLP and SBP under the CACFP final rule.

25. Questions and Answers
Can sponsors stop serving flavored milk to preschool children prior to October 1, 2017?
Yes, sponsors may stop serving flavored milk to preschool children
immediately, and no later than October 1, 2017.
This provision is consistent with the current meal pattern requirements so sponsors may begin to follow them at any time, but no later than October 1, 2017.
Question 1: Can sponsors stop serving flavored milk to preschool children prior to October 1, 2017?
Answer: Yes, sponsors may stop serving flavored milk to preschool children immediately, and no later than October 1, 2017.
This provision is consistent with the current meal pattern requirements so sponsors may begin to follow them at any time, but no later than October 1, 2017.

26. Questions and Answers
2. If one year old and two year old children sit together for the same meal, must they be served different types of milk?
Yes, by October 1, 2017 children two years old and older must be served unflavored low-fat or unflavored fat-free milk and children one year of age must be served unflavored whole milk.
The fluid milk requirements are based on age to ensure that children are receiving the nutrients they need for growth and development.
Schools must ensure that children of various ages seated together receive the appropriate type of milk.
Question 2: If one year old and two year old children sit together for the same meal, must they be served different types of milk?
Answer: Yes, by October 1, 2017 children two years old and older must be served unflavored low-fat or unflavored fat-free milk and children one year of age must be served unflavored whole milk.
The fluid milk requirements are based on age to ensure that children are receiving the nutrients they need for growth and development. Schools must ensure that children of various ages seated together receive the appropriate type of milk.

27. Questions and Answers
3. Are meals served to children 1 year old and older reimbursable if they contain infant formula?
Yes, for a period of one month, when children are 12 to 13 months of age, meals that contain infant formula may be reimbursed to facilitate the weaning from infant formula to cow’s milk.
While weaning, infants should be presented with both types of foods at the same meal service to gradually encourage the acceptance of the new food.
Breastmilk continues to be considered an acceptable fluid milk substitute for children over 12 months of age.
Meals containing infant formula that are served to children 13 months and older are reimbursable when supported by a medical statement signed by a recognized medical authority.
The statement must explain the need for the substitution and must be kept on file by the school.
Question 3: Are meals served to children 1 year old and older reimbursable if they contain infant formula?
Answer: Yes, for a period of one month, when children are 12 to 13 months of age, meals that contain infant formula may be reimbursed to facilitate the weaning from infant formula to cow’s milk.
While weaning, infants should be presented with both types of foods at the same meal service to gradually encourage the acceptance of new the food.
Breastmilk continues to be considered an acceptable fluid milk substitute for children over 12 months of age. Meals containing infant formula that are served to children 13 months and older are reimbursable when supported by a medical statement signed by a recognized medical authority.
The statement must explain the need for the substitution and must be kept on file by the school.

28. USDA Questions and Answers: Fruits and Vegetables
Please review the USDA Questions and Answers regarding the fruit and vegetable requirements for preschool students (ages 1-4) participating in the NSLP and SBP under the CACFP final rule.

29. Questions and Answers
Can two servings of broccoli be served at lunch to fulfill the vegetable component and fruit component?
No, two servings of broccoli to meet the vegetable component and fruit component would not be reimbursable under the updated lunch and supper preschool meal patterns.
While schools may serve two servings of vegetables at lunch and supper, the two servings of vegetables must be different. This is designed to be consistent with the Dietary Guidelines recommendation that all Americans should consume a variety of vegetables.
The two servings of vegetables do not need to be from different subgroups (e.g., dark green vegetables, red and orange vegetables, starchy vegetables, beans and peas (legumes), or other vegetables). For example, a lunch or dinner with a serving of carrots and a serving of red bell peppers (both red and orange vegetables) would be allowable.
Although serving vegetables from different subgroups is not a requirement for preschool students, offering a variety of vegetables can help improve the overall nutritional quality of the meals served to participants.
Question 1: Can two servings of broccoli be served at lunch to fulfill the vegetable component and fruit component?
Answer: No, two servings of broccoli to meet the vegetable component and fruit component would not be reimbursable under the updated lunch and supper preschool meal patterns.
While schools may serve two servings of vegetables at lunch and supper, the two servings of vegetables must be different. This is designed to be consistent with the Dietary Guidelines recommendation that all Americans should consume a variety of vegetables. The two servings of vegetables do not need to be from different subgroups (e.g., dark green vegetables, red and orange vegetables, starchy vegetables, beans and peas (legumes), or other vegetables). For example, a lunch or dinner with a serving of carrots and a serving of red bell peppers (both red and orange vegetables) would be allowable.
Although serving vegetables from different subgroups is not a requirement for preschool students, offering a variety of vegetables can help improve the overall nutritional quality of the meals served to participants.

30. Questions and Answers
2. How do raw leafy greens contribute to the vegetable component? Similarly, how does dried fruit contribute to the fruit component?
One cup of leafy greens (e.g., lettuce, raw spinach, etc.) counts as ½ cup of vegetables and ¼ cup dried fruit counts as ½ cup of fruit under the updated preschool meal patterns, which go into effect on October 1, This is consistent with the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.
3. With separate vegetable and fruit components at lunch, supper, and snack in the updated preschool meal patterns, how do food items that are mixtures of vegetables and fruit, such as a carrot-raisin salad, credit?
Food items that are mixtures of vegetables and fruits, such as a carrot-raisin salad, can only credit towards the vegetable component or the fruit component, not both, at lunch, supper and snack. For a mixed food item to credit towards the vegetable component or fruit component, it must contain at least ⅛ cup vegetable or fruit per serving.
Question 2: How do raw leafy greens contribute to the vegetable component? Similarly, how does dried fruit contribute to the fruit component?
Answer: One cup of leafy greens (e.g., lettuce, raw spinach, etc.) counts as ½ cup of vegetables and ¼ cup dried fruit counts as ½ cup of fruit under the updated preschool meal patterns, which go into effect on October 1, This is consistent with the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.
Question 3: With separate vegetable and fruit components at lunch, supper, and snack in the updated preschool meal patterns, how do food items that are mixtures of vegetables and fruit, such as a carrot-raisin salad, credit?
Answer: Food items that are mixtures of vegetables and fruits, such as a carrot-raisin salad, can only credit towards the vegetable component or the fruit component, not both, at lunch, supper and snack. For a mixed food item to credit towards the vegetable component or fruit component, it must contain at least ⅛ cup vegetable or fruit per serving.

31. Questions and Answers
4. Can a 100 percent fruit and vegetable juice blend be served to fulfill both the vegetable component and the fruit component?
One hundred percent fruit and vegetables juice blends are allowable, but they cannot fulfill both the vegetable component and fruit component in the same meal.
Similar to the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, a 100 percent fruit and vegetable blend may contribute to the fruit component when fruit juice or puree is the most prominent ingredient; and a 100 percent fruit and vegetable blend may contribute to the vegetable component when vegetable juice or puree is the most prominent ingredient.
Keep in mind that fruit or vegetable juice may not be served to infants and may only be served once per day to children 1 year old and older.
Question 4: Can a 100 percent fruit and vegetable juice blend be served to fulfill both the vegetable component and the fruit component?
Answer: One hundred percent fruit and vegetables juice blends are allowable, but they cannot fulfill both the vegetable component and fruit component in the same meal.
Similar to the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, a 100 percent fruit and vegetable blend may contribute to the fruit component when fruit juice or puree is the most prominent ingredient; and a 100 percent fruit and vegetable blend may contribute to the vegetable component when vegetable juice or puree is the most prominent ingredient.
Keep in mind that fruit or vegetable juice may not be served to infants and may only be served once per day to children 1 year old and older.

32. Best Practices
Make at least 1 of the 2 required components of a snack a vegetable or a fruit.
Serve a variety of fruits and choose whole fruits (fresh, canned, dried or frozen) more often than juice.
Provide at least one serving per week of each vegetable subgroup:
Dark green vegetables
Red and orange vegetables
Beans and peas (legumes)
Starchy vegetables
Other vegetables
USDA has developed optional best practices that build on the meal patterns and highlight areas where schools may take additional steps to further improve the nutritional quality of the meals they serve, to include:
Making at least 1 of the 2 required components of a snack a vegetable or a fruit.
Serving a variety of fruits and choosing whole fruits (fresh, canned, dried or frozen) more often than juice.
Providing at least one serving per week of each vegetable subgroup:
Dark green vegetables
Red and orange vegetables
Beans and peas (legumes)
Starchy vegetables
Other vegetables

33. Best Practices
Provide at least two servings of whole grain-rich grains per day.
Serve only lean meats, nuts, and legumes.
Limit serving processed meats to no more than one serving per week.
Serve only natural cheeses and choose low-fat or reduced fat-cheeses.
Some best grain and meat/meat alternate practices for preschool students include:
Providing at least two servings of whole grain-rich grains per day.
Serving only lean meats, nuts, and legumes.
Limiting serving processed meats to no more than one serving per week.
Serving only natural cheeses and choose low-fat or reduced fat-cheeses.

34. Best Practices
Incorporate seasonal and locally produced foods into meals.
Limit serving purchased, pre-fried foods to no more than one serving per week.
Avoid serving non-creditable foods that are sources of added sugars, such as sweet toppings (e.g., honey, jam, syrup) and mix-in ingredients sold with yogurt (e.g., honey or candy pieces).
Additional best practices for preschool students include:
Incorporating seasonal and locally produced foods into meals when possible.
Limiting serving purchased, pre-fried foods to no more than one serving per week.
Avoiding serving non-creditable foods that are sources of added sugars, such as sweet toppings (e.g., honey, jam, syrup) and mix-in ingredients sold with yogurt (e.g., honey, candy, or cookie pieces). Please note that honey should never be served to infants younger than one year due to the risk of infant botulism.

35. Click the next slide to check your answers!
Test Your Knowledge!
Question 1: True or False? When two vegetables are served at lunch or supper, two different kinds of vegetable subgroups must be served.
Question 2: True or False? Flavored milk of any kind is not allowed to be served to preschool children.
Question 3: True or False? Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the fruit or vegetable requirement at one meal, including snack, per day.
Question 4: True or False? Grain-based desserts may only credit towards the grain component at one meal, including snack, per day.
Question 5: True or False? The final rule removed the option to use offer versus serve (OVS) for meals served to children 0-4 years old in the NSLP and SBP.
Now we’ll test your knowledge of the new infant meal pattern requirements with a quick quiz!
Question 1: True or False? When two vegetables are served at lunch or supper, two different kinds of vegetable subgroups must be served.
Question 2: True or False? Flavored milk of any kind is not allowed to be served to preschool children.
Question 3: True or False? Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the fruit or vegetable requirement at one meal, including snack, per day.
Question 4: True or False? Grain-based desserts may only credit towards the grain component at one meal, including snack, per day.
Question 5: True or False? The final rule removed the option to use offer versus serve (OVS) for meals served to children 0-4 years old in the NSLP and SBP.
Click the next slide to check your answers!
Click the next slide to check your answers!

36. Test Your Knowledge!
Question 1: When two vegetables are served at lunch or supper, two different kinds of vegetable subgroups must be served. FALSE
Question 2: Flavored milk of any kind is not allowed to be served to preschool children. TRUE
Question 3: Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the fruit or vegetable requirement at one meal, including snack, per day. TRUE
Question 4: Grain-based desserts may only credit towards the grain component at one meal, including snack, per day. FALSE
Question 5: The final rule removed the option to use offer versus serve (OVS) for meals served to children 0-4 years old in the NSLP and SBP. TRUE
Test Your Knowledge Answers:
Question 1: This statement is FALSE! While the final rule allows a vegetable to be used to meet the entire fruit requirement at lunch or supper, the requirement for the two vegetables that are served is that two different kinds of vegetables must be served (e.g. sweet potatoes and carrots or broccoli and cauliflower). These vegetables do not have to be from two different subgroups. For example, sweet potatoes and carrots are both in the red/orange category and both items would be allowable because they are different kinds of vegetables.
Question 2: This statement is TRUE! Milk must be unflavored whole milk for children age 1 or unflavored low-fat (1%) or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk for preschool children. Flavored milk is not allowed for preschool students!
Question 3: This statement is TRUE! Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the fruit or vegetable requirement at one meal, including snack, per day. A 100 percent fruit and vegetable blend may contribute to the fruit component when fruit juice or puree is the most prominent ingredient; and a 100 percent fruit and vegetable blend may contribute to the vegetable component when vegetable juice or puree is the most prominent ingredient.
Question 4: This statement is FALSE! Grain-based desserts no longer count towards meeting the grains component for any meal or snack. This means items like sweet crackers (e.g. graham and animal crackers), granola bars, cookies, sweet rolls, doughnuts, toaster pastries, etc. are no longer allowed in a reimbursable meal. The final rule defines grain-based desserts as those foods in USDA’s “Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs” Exhibit A, which are denoted with superscripts 3 and 4.The full Exhibit A chart is located on pages 6-8 of USDA’s Grain Requirements in the Child and Adult Care Food Program; Questions and Answers guidance found here:
Question 5 This statement is TRUE! The final rule removed the option to use offer versus serve (OVS) for meals served to children 0-4 years old in the NSLP and SBP. Generally, OVS is not considered to be appropriate for preschool children because it may interfere with child nutrition program goals and the school’s efforts to introduce new foods to children.

37. Questions? Jamie Burch, RD, LD/N, SNS Nutrition Standards Director (850) | Brittany Lord, RDN, LD/N Nutrition Standards Program Specialist (850) |
This concludes the training on the new preschool meal pattern requirements.
Please feel free to contact us for questions.
Jamie Burch, RD, LD/N, SNS Nutrition Standards Director (850) | Brittany Lord, RDN, LD/N Nutrition Standards Program Specialist (850) |