Meal Patterns for CACFP Child Care Programs

Related Resources

CACFP Meal Pattern Training  |   Crediting Foods  |   Meal Service  |   Menu Planning


CACFP Meal Pattern Training: Bite Size


Bite Size CACFP Child Care logo

Bite Size: Meeting the CACFP Meal Patterns for Children is the CSDE's training program for CACFP child care facilities, including child care and Head Start centers, at-risk afterschool care centers, emergency shelters, and family day care homes. Bite Size is a series of recorded training modules that provide information on the meal pattern components and crediting requirements of the CACFP meal patterns for children. Each module is designed to provide the key information you need to know in 45 minutes or less.


Target audience: This training program is intended for the child care staff responsible for menu planning and ensuring that meals and snacks comply with the CACFP meal patterns.

Knowledge check and score: After viewing each module, participants will complete a brief knowledge check that will display a score after all questions are complete. Participants may print their knowledge check score to document participation in these training modules. 

Accessing the videos: The training module videos are housed in Qualtrics. To view the videos, click on the module, then enter the required contact information (name and title, email, institution/organization, city/town, and state).


 Bite Size: Meeting the CACFP Meal Patterns for Children
Module   Resources
Module 1: Bite Size Introduction and Meal Pattern Overview (29 minutes)
Module 2: Meal Pattern Documentation (35 minutes)

Module 3: Milk Component (36 minutes)

  • Before beginning this module, download and print "Knowledge Check for Crediting Milk"
Module 4: Meat/Meat Alternates Component (45 minutes)

Module 5: Fruits Component (34 minutes)

  • Before beginning this module, download and print "Knowledge Check for Crediting Canned Fruits"

Module 6: Vegetables Component (38 minutes)

  • Before beginning this module, download and print "Knowledge Check for Meal Pattern Requirements for Fruits and Vegetables at Lunch/Supper"

Module 7A: Grains Component Crediting Requirements (44 minutes)

  • Before beginning this module, download and print "Knowledge Check for Grain-based Desserts"

Module 7B: Grains Component Whole Grain-rich Requirement (43 minutes)

Module 7C: Grains Component Ounce Equivalents (39 minutes)

Module 8: Menu Planning (45 minutes)

  • Before beginning this module, download and print "Knowledge Check for Module 8: Meal or No Meal"

Crediting Foods in CACFP Child Care Programs


Meal Service in CACFP Child Care Programs