Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs

Overview


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The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) preschool meal patterns (ages 1-5) for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Afterschool Snack Program (ASP) follow the same requirements as the CACFP meal patterns for children. The Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the NSLP follows the NSLP, SBP, and ASP meal patterns. For detailed guidance on the preschool meal patterns and crediting requirements, refer to the CSDE's Guide to Meeting the Preschool Meal Patterns and Crediting Requirements for the School Nutrition Programs.

On April 25, 2024, the USDA published the final rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (89 FR 31962). This final rule implements gradual updates to the Child Nutrition Programs in several key areas, including the preschool meal patterns. Some menu planning flexibilities are effective July 1, 2024. Changes to preschool menus are not required until school year 2025-26 (beginning July 1, 2025). For more information, visit the "Upcoming Meal Pattern Changes" section of the CSDE's Meal Patterns for Grades K-12 in School Nutrition Programs webpage.


Comparison Charts  |   Meal Patterns  |   Menu Planning Guidance Series  |   Training Resources


Comparison Charts

Meal Patterns

On April 25, 2024, the USDA published the final rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (89 FR 31962). This final rule implements gradual updates to the Child Nutrition Programs in several key areas, including the preschool meal patterns. Some menu planning flexibilities take effect with school year 2024-25 (beginning July 1, 2024). Changes to preschool menus are not required until school year 2025-26 (beginning July 1, 2025). For more information, visit the "Upcoming Meal Pattern Changes" section of the CSDE's Meal Patterns for Grades K-12 in School Nutrition Programs webpage.

Training Resources