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).
- Overview of requirements: Requirements for the Meat/Meat Alternates Component of the SFSP Meal Patterns (CSDE)
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
- Overview: Requirements for the Meat/Meat Alternates Component of the SFSP Meal Patterns (CSDE)
- Crediting Meats/Meat Alternates in the Child Nutrition Programs Tip Sheet (USDA)
- Food Buying Guide: Section 1 Meats/Meat Alternates (USDA)
Alternate Protein Products (APPs)
- Questions and Answers on Alternate Protein Products (USDA)
- Requirements for Alternate Protein Products in the SFSP(CSDE)
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.
- "Beans, Peas, and Lentils" in CSDE's Resource List for Menu Planning and Food Production in Child Nutrition Programs
- Crediting Beans, Peas, and Lentils in the SFSP (CSDE)
- USDA Memo SP 26-2019, CACFP 13-2019, and SFSP 12-2019: Crediting Pasta Products Made of Vegetable Flour in the Child Nutrition Programs
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.
- Crediting Commercial Meat/Meat Alternate Products in the SFSP (CSDE)
- Crediting Deli Meats in the SFSP (CSDE)
- USDA Memo SP 01-2016: Procuring Local Meat, Poultry, Game, and Eggs for Child Nutrition Programs
Dried Meats
- USDA Memo SP 21-2019, CACFP 08-2019, and SFSP 07-2019: Crediting Shelf-Stable, Dried and Semi-Dried Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Products in the Child Nutrition Programs
- USDA Webinar: Moving Forward: Update on Food Crediting in Child Nutrition Programs with Guidance for Dried Meat Products (April 24, 2019
Nuts and Seeds
Tempeh and Surimi
- USDA Memo SP 25-2019, CACFP 12-2019, and SFSP 11-2019: Crediting Tempeh in the Child Nutrition Programs
- USDA Memo SP 24-2019, CACFP 11-2019, and SFSP 10-2019: Crediting Surimi Seafood in the Child Nutrition Programs
- USDA Webinar: Additional Meat/Meat Alternates Options for CNPs: Crediting Tempeh and Surimi (May 8, 2019)
Tofu and Tofu Products
- Crediting Tofu and Tofu Products in the SFSP (CSDE)
- USDA Memo SP 02-2024, CACFP 02-2024, and SFSP 02-2024: Revised: Crediting Tofu and Soy Yogurt Products in the School Meal Programs, CACFP, and SFSP
Yogurt and Soy Yogurt
- Crediting Yogurt in the SFSP (CSDE)
- USDA Memo SP 02-2024, CACFP 02-2024, and SFSP 02-2024: Revised: Crediting Tofu and Soy Yogurt Products in the School Meal Programs, CACFP, and SFSP