Meal Patterns for CACFP Adult Day Care Centers

Overview

Meals and snacks served to adult participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) must comply with CACFP adult meal patterns. The new CACFP adult meal patterns began on October 1, 2017, as required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) final rule, Child and Adult Care Food Program: Meal Pattern Revisions Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Effective October 1, 2021, the required amount for the grains component change to the ounce equivalents in Grain Ounce Equivalents for the CACFP.

The final rule requires more whole grains and a greater variety of vegetables and fruits, and reduces the amount of added sugars and solid fats in CACFP meals. It also better aligns the CACFP with other Child Nutrition Programs.

Go to the Documents/Forms section in the left navigation bar to access the CACFP adult meal patterns. For information on crediting foods, visit the CSDE's Crediting Foods in CACFP Adult Day Care Centers webpage.