Crediting Foods in the Summer Food Service Program

Meats and Meat Alternates

The meats/meats alternate (MMA) component of the SFSP meal patterns includes fresh and frozen meats (e.g., lean beef, pork, poultry, fish, and shellfish), processed meats (e.g., chicken nuggets, deli meats, and fish sticks), canned meats (e.g., chicken, tuna, and salmon), and meat alternates (e.g., eggs, cheese, yogurt, nuts and seeds and their butters, beans, peas, and lentils, tofu, and tempeh). 

Serving Requirements  |   General Guidance
Alternate Protein Products  |   Beans, Peas, and Lentils  |   Commercial Processed Products
Dried Meats  |   Nuts and Seeds  |   Tofu  |   Yogurt


Serving Requirements

  • Serving size: MMA are measured in ounces. The minimum creditable amount is ¼ ounces. 
  • Required quantities for 1 ounce: The required quantities depend on the type of MMA and refer to the edible portion of cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish (i.e., without bone, breading, binders, fillers, extenders, liquids, or other ingredients). A 1-ounce serving of MMA equals 1 ounce of cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish; 1 ounce of cheese (low-fat recommended); 2 ounces of cottage or ricotta cheese, cheese food/spread, or cheese substitute (low-fat recommended); ¼ cup of cooked beans/peas/lentils; ½ large egg; 2 tablespoons of nut or seed butters; 1 ounce of nuts or seeds; 1 ounce of commercial tofu (must contain at least 5 grams of protein in 2.2 ounces); 1 ounce of tempeh; 3 ounces of surimi; ½ cup or 4 ounces of yogurt or soy yogurt; and 1 ounce of alternate protein product (APP). 
  • Main dish requirement for lunch: The MMA component must be served in a main dish or in a main dish and one other food item. 
  • Recommended limits for processed meats and poultry: The USDA recommends limiting processed meats and poultry (such as hot dogs, bologna, luncheon meat, pepperoni, and sausages) to no more than once per week; and serving low-fat or reduced-fat cheeses. 

General Crediting Guidance

Alternate Protein Products (APPs)

Beans, Peas, and Lentils

Beans, peas, and lentils credit as either MMA or vegetables but one serving cannot credit as both meal components in the same meal or afterschool snack. 

Commercial Processed Products

Commercial processed products require a CN label or PFS to document their meal pattern contribution. Products without this documentation cannot credit in school meals.

Dried Meats

Nuts and Seeds

Tempeh and Surimi

Tofu and Tofu Products

Yogurt and Soy Yogurt