1. NEW Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Meal Pattern
Requirements for Infants
in the NSLP and SBP
Welcome! This training will highlight the new infant 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 children aged 1 though 4 years old (preschool) in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs under 7 CFR and 220.8, respectively, to match the CACFP meal pattern requirements.
When developing the updated infant meal patterns, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) relied on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the leading authority for children’s developmental and nutritional needs from birth through 23 months, because the Dietary Guidelines for Americans do not currently provide recommendations for children under two years old.

2. Overview NEW Infant Meal Patterns USDA Questions & Answers
Best Practices
Test Your Knowledge
This training will discuss the new requirements for the infant 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 infants.
Please print and refer to the updated infant 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
Summary of the regulatory process:
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 infants 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 infant 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 infants (0 through 11 months) must be in compliance with the new infant meal pattern requirements discussed in this training by October 1, 2017.
Sponsors may implement the new infant 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 infant
meal pattern is not permitted.
ALL sponsors serving infants (0 through 11 months) must be in compliance with the new infant meal pattern requirements discussed in this training by October 1, 2017.
Sponsors may implement the new infant 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. NEW Infant Meal Patterns
Two Age Groups
0-5 months
6-11 months
Flexibility for introducing solid foods
Before or after 6 months of age
Allowed when infant is developmentally ready
New infant meal pattern requirements:
The final rule establishes two age groups for infants: 0-5 months and 6-11 months. These two age groups were established to encourage exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Additionally, these new age groups now match the age groups in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Woman, Infants and Children, also known as WIC.
The final rule allows flexibility for introducing solid foods to infants. Solid foods can now be introduced before or after six months of age as the infant is developmentally ready. Determining when an infant is “developmentally ready” is discussed further on slide 9.
This new flexibility allows schools and parents and guardians to work together to determine what solid foods to serve and when the timing is appropriate.
Sponsors should work with parents and guardians to determine what solid foods to serve and when.

6. Gradual Introduction of Solid Foods
Review the chart on the screen: Previous and Updated Infant Meal Patterns: Let’s Compare.
Please note that the minimum serving size ranges for the 6 through 11 month old age group now start at zero so that solid foods can be introduced gradually. A few examples are circled on the screen.
The new serving size ranges recognize that not all infants will be ready to accept solid foods at 6 months of age; however, offering the solid food components to an infant in the 6 through 11 month age group is required when the infant is developmentally ready to accept it.

7. NEW Infant Meal Patterns
Breakfast
Lunch and Supper
Snack
Please review the new infant meal patterns for breakfast, lunch, supper and snack.
Any food component that is marked with an asterisk (*) is only required when the infant is developmentally ready.
Please note that all serving sizes listed are minimum quantities of the food components that are required to be served.
*Required when infant is developmentally ready
All serving sizes listed are minimum quantities of the food components that are required to be served

8. Reimbursement for Breastfeeding
Once all new infant meal pattern requirements are implemented meals will be eligible for reimbursement when a mother breastfeeds on-site.
This includes meals when an infant is only consuming breastmilk.
When a parent or guardian chooses to provide breastmilk or a creditable infant formula and the infant is consuming solid foods, the school must supply all the other required meal components in order for the meal to be reimbursable.
Schools are strongly encouraged, but not required, to offer a quiet, private area that is comfortable and sanitary for mothers who come to the school to breastfeed.
Expressed breastmilk may be stored at the school in a refrigerator at 40ºF or below for no longer than 72 hours.
Once all new infant meal pattern requirements are implemented (no later than October 1, 2017), meals will be eligible for reimbursement when a mother breastfeeds on-site.
This includes meals when an infant is only consuming breastmilk (~0-5 months).
When a parent or guardian chooses to provide breastmilk (expressed or directly breastfeeding on site) or a creditable infant formula and the infant is consuming solid foods, the school must supply all the other required meal components in order for the meal to be reimbursable.
Schools are strongly encouraged, but not required, to offer a quiet, private area that is comfortable and sanitary for mothers who come to the school to breastfeed.
In the Pediatric Nutrition Handbook, 7th Edition, the AAP recommends an optimal storage time of 72 hours for refrigerated expressed breastmilk. Accordingly, to follow current scientific recommendations, breastmilk may be stored at the school in a refrigerator for no longer than 72 hours at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

9. Key Takeaways: Birth-5 Months Age Group
Only breastmilk or infant formula (or portions of both)
can be served to infants 0 through 5 months.
It is recommended that breastmilk be served in place of formula from birth through 11 months.
Infant formula must be iron-fortified and regulated by the FDA.
The FDA defines iron-fortified infant formula as a product “which contains 1 milligram or more of iron in a quantity of a product that supplies 100 kilocalories when prepared in accordance with the label directions for infant consumption” (21 CFR (b)(4)(i).
For infants in the birth through 5 months age group please note the following:
Only breastmilk or infant formula (or portions of both) can be served to infants 0 through 5 months. It is recommended that breastmilk be served in place of formula from birth through 11 months. For some breastfed infants who regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breastmilk per feeding, a serving of less than the minimum amount of breastmilk may be offered, with additional breastmilk offered at a later time if the infant will consume more.
Infant formula must be iron-fortified and regulated by the FDA. If a formula is purchased outside of the U.S., it is likely that the formula is not regulated by the FDA and would not be creditable.
Look for “Infant Formula with Iron” or a similar statement on the front of the formula package. All infant-fortified formulas must have this type of statement on the package. You can also use the Nutrition Facts Label as a guide to ensure that the formula is iron-fortified. To be considered iron-fortified, an infant formula must have 1 mg of iron or more per 100 calories of formula.
The FDA defines iron-fortified infant formula as a product “which contains 1 milligram or more of iron in a quantity of a product that supplies 100 kilocalories when prepared in accordance with the label directions for infant consumption” (21 CFR (b)(4)(i).

10. Defining “Developmentally Ready” for the 6-11 Months Age Group
Beginning SY (or by October 1, 2017) solid foods must be served to infants around 6 months of age as it is developmentally appropriate for the infant.
The following guidelines from the AAP can help determine if an infant is developmentally ready to begin eating solid foods:
The infant is able to sit in a high chair, feeding seat, or infant seat with good head control;
The infant opens his or her mouth when food comes his or her way. He or she may watch others eat, reach for food and seem eager to be fed;
The infant can move food from a spoon into his or her throat; and
The infant has doubled his or her weight and weighs about 13 pounds or more.
Beginning SY (or by October 1, 2017), solid foods must be served (offered) to infants around 6 months of age as it is developmentally appropriate for the infant. In addition, solid foods served to infants must be of a texture and consistency that is appropriate for the age and development of the infant being fed.
There is no single, direct signal to determine when an infant is developmentally ready to accept solid foods. As a best practice, the USDA FNS recommends that parents or guardians request in writing when a school should start serving solid foods to their infant. When talking with parents or guardians about when to serve solid foods to infants in your care, the following guidelines from the AAP can help determine if an infant is developmentally ready to begin eating solid foods:
The infant is able to sit in a high chair, feeding seat, or infant seat with good head control;
The infant opens his or her mouth when food comes his or her way. He or she may watch others eat, reach for food and seem eager to be fed;
The infant can move food from a spoon into his or her throat; and
The infant has doubled his or her weight and weighs about 13 pounds or more.
Allowing solid foods to be served when the infant is developmentally ready (around 6 months of age) better accommodates infants’ varying rates of development.

11. Key Takeaways: 6-11 Months Age Group
Breastmilk or infant formula (or portions of both) continue to be served to infants 6 though 11 months.
Infant formula and dry infant cereal must be iron-fortified.
Infant formulas and foods with added DHA are allowable.
Vegetables and fruits are required to be offered at breakfast, lunch, supper and snack for infants that are developmentally ready to receive them.
Juice cannot be claimed for reimbursement for meals served to infants of any age.
For infants in the 6 through 11 months age group please note the following:
Breastmilk or infant formula (or portions of both) continue to be served to infants 6 though 11 months.
Infant formula and dry infant cereal must be iron-fortified.
Docosahexaenoic acid, known as DHA, is an omega-3 fatty acid that may be added to infant formulas and foods. DHA enriched infant foods are allowable in the new infant meal pattern.
Vegetables and fruits are required to be offered at breakfast, lunch, supper and snack for infants that are developmentally ready to receive them.
Juice can no longer be claimed for reimbursement for meals served to infants of any age beginning October 1, 2017 or on the first day of the school year if all other changes have been implemented.

12. Key Takeaways: Meat/Meat Alternate 6-11 Months Age Group
The new meal pattern allows cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, and whole eggs to be served as a meat/meat alternate.
Cheese food and cheese spread are not allowed under the new infant meal pattern due to their high sodium content.
All yogurts served to infants must contain no more than 23 grams of sugar per 6 ounces.
For infants in the 6 through 11 months age group please note the following about meat/meat alternates:
The new meal pattern allows cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, and whole eggs to be served as a meat/meat alternate. Previously only egg yolks were allowed due to concerns with developing food allergies when infants are exposed to proteins in the egg white. However, the AAP recently concluded there is no convincing evidence to delay the introduction of solid foods that are considered to be food allergens.
Cheese food and cheese spread are not allowed under the new infant meal pattern due to their high sodium content.
All yogurts served to infants must contain no more than 23 grams of sugar per 6 ounces.

13. Key Takeaways: Grains 6-11 Months Age Group
All breakfast cereals served to infants must contain no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce.
Breakfast cereals include: ready-to-eat cereals, instant and hot cereals.
Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are now an additional grain option at snack.
Sponsors are not required to serve infants whole grain-rich grain items; however, it is encouraged as a best practice.
For infants in the 6 through 11 months age group please note the following about the grain component:
Starting October 1, 2017 (or earlier) all breakfast cereals served to infants must contain no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce (21.2 grams of sugar per 100 grams of dry cereal) (7 CFR (a)(4)(ii)). 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 total sugar 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.
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. Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are now an additional grain option at snack.
Sponsors are not required to serve infants whole grain-rich grain items; however, it is encouraged as a best practice.

14. Meal Components Parents Can Choose to Provide for Reimbursement
Parents/guardians have the option to supply one component of the reimbursable meal such as expressed breastmilk or a creditable infant formula, even when the infant is only consuming breastmilk or formula.
If an infant is developmentally ready to consume solid foods and the parent or guardian chooses to supply expressed breastmilk, a creditable infant formula, or directly breastfed on site, then the school must provide all other required meal components in order for the meal to be reimbursable.
Alternatively, a parent or guardian may choose to provide a solid food component if the infant is developmentally ready. In this situation, the school must supply all of the other required meal components, including the iron-fortified infant formula.
Parents/guardians have the option to supply one component of the reimbursable meal such as expressed breastmilk or a creditable infant formula, even when the infant is only consuming breastmilk or formula.
If an infant is developmentally ready to consume solid foods and the parent or guardian chooses to supply expressed breastmilk, a creditable infant formula, or directly breastfed on site, then the school must provide all the other required meal components in order for the meal to be reimbursable.
Alternatively, a parent or guardian may choose to provide a solid food component if the infant is developmentally ready to consume all foods. In this situation, the school must supply all of the other required meal components, including the iron-fortified infant formula.

15. USDA Questions and Answers: Feeding Infants
Please review the USDA Questions and Answers for infants participating in the NSLP and SBP under the CACFP final rule.

16. Questions and Answers
What does it mean to feed an infant in a way that is “consistent with the infant’s eating habits?”
Since infants do not eat on a strict schedule it is best to watch for hunger cues, and not the clock. As long as all the required food components are offered over the course of the day, the meals may be reimbursable.
For example:
Infant breastfed at home before arriving to school and is not hungry for the breakfast meal upon arrival.
The school can choose to offer the meal to the infant later in the morning when the infant is hungry and still claim it.
* As a reminder, infants do not need to consume the entire meal offered in order for the meal to be reimbursed.
Question 1: What does it mean to feed an infant in a way that is “consistent with the infant’s eating habits?”
Answer: Since infants do not eat on a strict schedule it is best to watch for hunger cues, and not the clock. As long as all the required food components are offered over the course of the day, the meals may be reimbursable.
For example: If an infant is breastfed at home before arriving to school and is not hungry for the breakfast meal upon arrival, the school can choose to offer the meal to the infant later in the morning when the infant is hungry and still claim it for reimbursement.
As a reminder, program participants, including infants, do not need to consumer the entire meal offered in order for the meal to be reimbursed.

17. Questions and Answers
2. How should meals be documented when a mother directly breastfeeds her infant on-site?
USDA offers flexibility on how to document a meal when a mother directly breastfeeds her infant on-site.
Schools are required to document the meal if the infant is served breastmilk or iron-fortified infant formula to demonstrate compliance with meal pattern requirements; however, they do not need to document the delivery method of the breastmilk (i.e. directly breastfed on-site or expressed breastmilk in a bottle).
If an infant is served expressed breastmilk or infant formula from a bottle the school must document the quantity served to the infant.
If an infant is breastfed on-site it is acceptable to simply indicate that the infant was breastfed on-site since the quantity served cannot be determined.
Question 2: How should meals be documented when a mother directly breastfeeds her infant on-site?
Answer: USDA offers flexibility on how to document a meal when a mother directly breastfeeds her infant on-site.
Schools are required to document the meal if the infant is served breastmilk or iron-fortified infant formula to demonstrate compliance with meal pattern requirements; however, they do not need to document the delivery method of the breastmilk (i.e. directly breastfed on-site or expressed breastmilk in a bottle).
If an infant is served expressed breastmilk or infant formula from a bottle the school must document the quantity served to the infant.
If an infant is breastfed on-site it is acceptable to simply indicate that the infant was breastfed on-site since the quantity served cannot be determined.

18. Questions and Answers
3. If a mother breastfeeds her 13 month old, or older, child at the school, is the meal reimbursable?
Yes. Breastmilk is an allowable substitute for fluid milk for children of any age.
Therefore, if a mother chooses to breastfeed her infant past 1 year of age she may breastfeed the child on-site or provide expressed breastmilk and the school may claim reimbursement for those meals.
In addition, the school should count the breastmilk towards the meal that was closest to when the mother breastfed the child.
Question 3: If a mother breastfeeds her 13 month old, or older, child at the school, is the meal reimbursable?
Answer: Yes. Breastmilk is an allowable substitute for fluid milk for children of any age.
Therefore, if a mother chooses to breastfeed her infant past 1 year of age she may breastfeed the child on-site or provide expressed breastmilk and the school may claim reimbursement for those meals.
In addition, the school should count the breastmilk towards the meal that was closest to when the mother breastfed the child.

19. Questions and Answers
4. If a physician or recognized medical authority prescribes whole cow’s milk as a substitute for breastmilk or infant formula for an infant younger than 12 months of age, is the meal reimbursable?
For children younger than 12 months of age, cow’s milk may be served as a substitute for breastmilk and/or infant formula, and be part of a reimbursable meal, if the substitution is supported by a medical statement signed by a recognized medical authority.
The medical statement must explain the need for the substitution and must be kept on file by the school in order for the meal to be reimbursable.
Question 4: If a physician or recognized medical authority prescribes whole cow’s milk as a substitute for breastmilk or infant formula for an infant younger than 12 months of age, is the meal reimbursable?
Answer: For children younger than 12 months of age, cow’s milk may be served as a substitute for breastmilk and/or infant formula, and be part of a reimbursable meal, if the substitution is supported by a medical statement signed by a recognized medical authority.
The medical statement must explain the need for the substitution and must be kept on file by the school in order for the meal to be reimbursable.

20. Questions and Answers
5. If a parent chooses to provide infant formula and pre-mixes it at home, how is the school supposed to know if it the formula is iron-fortified?
If a parent or guardian declines the iron-fortified infant formula that the school offers and they choose to provide their own infant formula, it is the responsibility of the school to inform the parent or guardian that they must provide a formula that is creditable (e.g. it is iron-fortified and is regulated by the FDA).
A school may choose to have a form that indicates the parent or guardian declined the offered infant formula and that they will provide either breastmilk or an infant formula that is iron-fortified and is regulated by FDA.
Or, a school may request the infant formula label to determine if it is iron-fortified; however, this documentation is not a Federal requirement.
Question 5: If a parent chooses to provide infant formula and pre-mixes it at home, how is the school supposed to know if it the formula is iron-fortified?
Answer: If a parent or guardian declines the iron-fortified infant formula that the school offers and they choose to provide their own infant formula, it is the responsibility of the school to inform the parent or guardian that they must provide a formula that is creditable (e.g. it is iron-fortified and is regulated by the FDA).
A school may choose to have a form that indicates the parent or guardian declined the offered infant formula and that they will provide either breastmilk or an infant formula that is iron-fortified and is regulated by FDA.
Or, a school may request the infant formula label to determine if it is iron-fortified; however, this documentation is not a Federal requirement.

21. Questions and Answers
6. Can solid foods be served to infants younger than 6 months of age?
Yes. Meals containing solid foods are reimbursable when the infant is developmentally ready to accept them, even if the infant is younger than 6 months of age.
A written note from a parent or guardian stating his or her infant should be served solid foods is recommended as a best practice, but is not required.
Infants develop at different rates meaning some infants may be ready to consume solid foods before 6 months of age and others may be ready after 6 months of age.
Schools are required to serve solid foods once an infant is ready to accept them. In general, infants should be consuming solid foods from all food groups (vegetables, fruits, grains, protein foods and dairy) by 7 to 8 months of age.
Question 6: Can solid foods be served to infants younger than 6 months of age?
Answer: Yes. Meals containing solid foods are reimbursable when the infant is developmentally ready to accept them, even if the infant is younger than 6 months of age.
A written note from a parent or guardian stating his or her infant should be served solid foods is recommended as a best practice, but is not required.
Infants develop at different rates meaning some infants may be ready to consume solid foods before 6 months of age and others may be ready after 6 months of age.
Schools are required to serve solid foods once an infant is ready to accept them. In general, infants should be consuming solid foods from all food groups (vegetables, fruits, grains, protein foods and dairy) by 7 to 8 months of age.

22. Questions and Answers
7. Is there a whole grain-rich requirement for infants participating in the NSLP and/or SBP?
No. The requirement to serve at least one whole grain-rich food per day is only required under the new CACFP meal pattern guidelines for preschool (ages 1-4) and older age groups.
8. Can infant cereals be served in a bottle to infants?
No. Serving infant cereal in a bottle to infants is not allowed.
Neither the infant cereal nor the infant breastmilk or formula in the bottle may be claimed for reimbursement when they are served in the same bottle, unless it is supported by a medical statement.
Question 7: Is there a whole grain-rich requirement for infants participating in the NSLP and/or SBP?
Answer: No. The requirement to serve at least one whole grain-rich food per day is only required under the new CACFP meal pattern guidelines for preschool (ages 1-4) and older age groups.
Question 8: Can infant cereals be served in a bottle to infants?
Answer: No. Serving infant cereal in a bottle to infants is not allowed.
Neither the infant cereal nor the infant breastmilk or formula in the bottle may be claimed for reimbursement when they are served in the same bottle, unless it is supported by a medical statement.

23. Questions and Answers
9. Are commercially prepared mixed or combination foods (e.g., infant dinners with vegetables and chicken) reimbursable in the infant meal pattern?
Commercially prepared mixed or combination foods that contain more than one food component are not reimbursable in the infant meal pattern.
It is extremely difficult to identify the required food components and prove that the amount of the food components in mixed infant foods meet the meal pattern requirements.
For example, an infant dinner with vegetables and chicken is not reimbursable. However, infant foods with more than one vegetable or fruit may be reimbursable because vegetables and fruit are one component under the infant meal pattern (e.g. sweet potatoes and bananas).
Additionally, many commercially prepared mixed infant food products may have added sugar that may promote the development of tooth decay as well as provide few nutrients.
Question 9: Are commercially prepared mixed or combination foods (e.g., infant dinners with vegetables and chicken) reimbursable in the infant meal pattern?
Answer: Commercially prepared mixed or combination foods that contain more than one food component are not reimbursable in the infant meal pattern.
It is extremely difficult to identify the required food components and prove that the amount of the food components in mixed infant foods meet the meal pattern requirements.
For example, an infant dinner with vegetables and chicken is not reimbursable. However, infant foods with more than one vegetable or fruit may be reimbursable because vegetables and fruit are one component under the infant meal pattern (e.g. sweet potatoes and bananas).
Additionally, many commercially prepared mixed infant food products may have added sugar that may promote the development of tooth decay as well as provide few nutrients.

24. Questions and Answers 10. Are baby pouch food products allowed?
The way a food is packaged does not impact whether a food is creditable or not. Commercially prepared infant foods that contain one food component and are packaged in a jar, plastic container, pouch or any other packaging are creditable.  
Providers should serve food from a pouch in the same way that it is served from a jar or plastic container, which is by using a spoon.
Spoon-feeding is the most appropriate method for feeding pureed or mashed foods to infants. Infants benefit developmentally from the experience of eating from a spoon. Different tongue and lip motions are used for sucking than for eating from a spoon.
Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry warns that sucking on baby food pouches may have the same negative effect as the practice of prolonged sucking of juice from bottles or sippy cups.
Question 10: Are baby pouch food products allowed?
Answer: The way a food is packaged does not impact whether a food is creditable or not. Commercially prepared infant foods that contain one food component and are packaged in a jar, plastic container, pouch or any other packaging are creditable.  
Providers should serve food from a pouch in the same way that it is served from a jar or plastic container, which is by using a spoon.
Spoon-feeding is the most appropriate method for feeding pureed or mashed foods to infants. Infants benefit developmentally from the experience of eating from a spoon. Different tongue and lip motions are used for sucking than for eating from a spoon. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry warns that sucking on baby food pouches may have the same negative effect as the practice of prolonged sucking of juice from bottles or sippy cups.

25. Best Practices
Support mothers who choose to breastfeed their infants by encouraging mothers to supply breastmilk for their infants and offering a quiet, private area that is comfortable and sanitary for mothers who come to the school to breastfeed.
Be in constant communication with infants’ parents or guardians about when and what solid foods should be introduced.
Have parents or guardians request (in writing) when solid foods are to be introduced and keep the request on file.
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:
Supporting mothers who choose to breastfeed their infants by encouraging mothers to supply breastmilk for their infants while in day care and offering a quiet, private area that is comfortable and sanitary for mothers who come to the school to breastfeed.
Being in constant communication with infants’ parents or guardians about when and what solid foods should be introduced
Having parents or guardians request (in writing) when solid foods are to be introduced and keeping the request on file.

26. For infants 6 through 11 months:
Best Practices
For infants 6 through 11 months:
Limit serving processed meats to no more than one serving per week
Choose low-fat or reduced-fat cheeses
Offer whole grain-rich grains as often as possible
Provide at least one serving from each vegetable subgroup weekly:
Dark green vegetables
Red and orange vegetables
Beans and peas (legumes)
Starchy vegetables
Other vegetables
Best practices for infants aged 6 through 11 months include:
Limiting serving processed meats to no more than one serving per week
Choosing low-fat or reduced-fat cheeses
Offering whole grain-rich grains as often as possible
Providing at least one serving from each vegetable subgroup weekly:
Dark green vegetables
Red and orange vegetables
Beans and peas (legumes)
Starchy vegetables
Other vegetables

27. For infants 6 through 11 months:
Best Practices
For infants 6 through 11 months:
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, candy, or cookie pieces).
Additional best practices for infants aged 6 through 11 months 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.

28. Click the next slide to check your answers!
Test Your Knowledge!
Question 1: True or False? All grains served to infants must be whole grain-rich.
Question 2: True or False? Parents/guardians have the option to supply one component of the reimbursable meal.
Question 3: True or False? The final rule only allows solid foods to be introduced after six months of age as the infant is developmentally ready for solid foods.
Question 4: True or False? Juice cannot be claimed for reimbursement for meals served to infants of any age.
Question 5: True or False? Meals are eligible for reimbursement when a mother breastfeeds on site, including meals when an infant is only consuming breastmilk (~0-5 months).
Let’s now test your knowledge of the new infant meal pattern requirements with a quick quiz!
Question 1: True or False? All grains served to infants must be whole grain-rich.
Question 2: True or False? Parents/guardians have the option to supply one component of the reimbursable meal.
Question 3: True or False? The final rule only allows solid foods to be introduced after six months of age as the infant is developmentally ready for solid foods.
Question 4: True or False? Juice cannot be claimed for reimbursement for meals served to infants of any age.
Question 5: True or False? Meals are eligible for reimbursement when a mother breastfeeds on site, including meals when an infant is only consuming breastmilk (~0-5 months).
Click the next slide to check your answers!
Click the next slide to check your answers!

29. Test Your Knowledge!
Question 1: All grains served to infants must be whole grain-rich. FALSE
Question 2: Parents/guardians have the option to supply one component of the reimbursable meal. TRUE
Question 3: The final rule only allows solid foods to be introduced after six months of age as the infant is developmentally ready for solid foods. FALSE
Question 4: Juice cannot be claimed for reimbursement for meals served to infants of any age. TRUE
Question 5: Meals are eligible for reimbursement when a mother breastfeeds on site, including meals when an infant is only consuming breastmilk (~0-5 months). TRUE
Test Your Knowledge Answers:
Question 1: This statement is FALSE! Grains served to infants are not required to be whole grain-rich; however, serving whole grain-rich grains to infants is encouraged as a best practice.
Question 2: This statement is TRUE! Parents/guardians have the option to supply one component of the reimbursable meal. If an infant is developmentally ready to consume solid foods and the parent or guardian chooses to supply expressed breastmilk, a creditable infant formula, or directly breastfed on site, then the school must provide all the other required meal components in order for the meal to be reimbursable. Alternatively, a parent or guardian may choose to provide a solid food component if the infant is developmentally ready to consume all foods. In this situation, the school must supply all of the other required meal components, including the iron-fortified infant formula.
Question 3: This statement is FALSE! The final rule allows solid foods to be introduced before or after six months of age as the infant is developmentally ready for solid foods.
Question 4: This statement is TRUE! Juice cannot be claimed for reimbursement for meals served to infants of any age in accordance with the final CACFP rule.
Question 5 This statement is TRUE! Meals are eligible for reimbursement when a mother breastfeeds on site, including meals when an infant is only consuming breastmilk (~0-5 months). When a parent of guardian chooses to provide breastmilk (expressed or directly breastfeeding on site) or a creditable infant formula and the infant is consuming solid foods, the school must supply all the other required meal components in order for the meal to be reimbursable. Schools are also strongly encouraged, but not required, to offer a quiet, private area that is comfortable and sanitary for mothers who come to the school to breastfeed.

30. 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 infant 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) |