CACFP Approved Food List Tool #1- The CACFP Food Buying Guide
Do you have questions about what foods are allowed in the CACFP? The Food Buying Guide is an invaluable resource to help you navigate these questions. Organized by the USDA—this guide provides everything you need to ensure compliance with the CACFP.
The Food Buying Guide (FBG) is a comprehensive resource designed to help those participating in the CACFP understand which specific food items meet CACFP requirements. It provides detailed information on portion sizes, purchase quantities, and how each food item contributes to the overall meal pattern requirements.
This guide is essential for ensuring that the meals you serve are both nutritious and compliant with CACFP regulations.
Find Out if An Item is on the CACFP Approved Food List
To determine if an item is allowable under the CACFP and understand the specific requirements, simply Google “USDA Food Buying Guide – (Item Name)”. Choose the first result that appears.
Once on the page, use “Control F” to search for the item and find relevant information quickly.
Meal Pattern Requirements
The Food Buying Guide includes detailed charts that outline the specific food quantities required for different programs. This ensures that every meal you serve meets the nutritional standards set by the USDA.
Yield Data
With yield information for over 2,100 food items, the FBG helps you determine how much food you need to buy and how each food item contributes to meal pattern requirements. This data is crucial for preventing food waste and controlling costs.
Practical Examples
The guide is filled with practical examples to help you apply yield data to your specific needs. Whether you’re figuring out how many pounds of tomatoes to buy for a salad or calculating the amount of ground beef needed for meatloaf, the FBG has you covered. See below for a screenshot of what the results look like.
Appendixes with Extra Resources
The FBG includes several appendixes with additional tools and resources, such as the Recipe Analysis Workbook and guidance on using the CN Labeling Program. These resources are invaluable for ensuring compliance with program requirements.
How the Guide is Structured
The FBG is organized into six main sections, each focusing on a different food category:
1. Meat/Meat Alternates
This section includes options such as beef, poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, beans, and cheese. It specifies the amount of each food that needs to be served to meet the protein requirements for different age groups.
2. Vegetables
Vegetables are a crucial part of any CACFP-compliant meal. This section outlines the various types of vegetables that can be served—whether fresh, frozen, or canned—and helps you determine the correct serving size.
3. Fruits
Fruits are an essential component of a balanced meal. The guide provides information on a wide range of fruits, including fresh, frozen, dried, and canned options, along with portion sizes needed to meet CACFP guidelines.
4. Grains
This section helps you choose the right grains, including bread, pasta, rice, and cereals. It also includes whole grain-rich criteria and the correct portions needed to meet meal pattern requirements.
5. Milk
Milk is a critical part of CACFP meals, providing necessary nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. The guide explains the types of milk that are allowed and the appropriate serving sizes for various age groups.
6. Other Foods
This section covers additional foods that may be included in meals, such as condiments, oils, and other miscellaneous items. It provides guidance on how these foods can be incorporated without exceeding dietary guidelines.
Why the CACFP Approved Food List is Important
The Food Buying Guide is more than just a CACFP approved food list—it’s a practical tool that can help you:
- Plan Menus: Ensure that any particular food item is allowable and that your menus are balanced and meet all CACFP meal pattern requirements.
- Ensure Compliance: Reduce the risk of non-compliance issues by adhering to CACFP standards, including noting that for most items the as purchased amount is less than the creditable serving amount.
- Save Time and Money: Control costs and reduce waste by knowing exactly how much food to buy and serve.
Tips for Using the Food Buying Guide
- Start with the Basics: Familiarize yourself with the sections most relevant to your situation and needs.
- Use the Online Tools: Take advantage of the interactive tools available online to streamline your menu planning.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check for updates to the CACFP approved food list to ensure compliance with the latest standards.
The CACFP Food Buying Guide is an indispensable resource for participating in the CACFP. By understanding how to navigate this guide, you can confidently serve nutritious, compliant meals that meet the needs of the children in your care.
CACFP Approved Food List Tool #2- The CN Label Verification Report
What is a CN Label?
CN labels are required for most frozen or prepared items. Examples of CN label food include beef patties, cheese or meat pizzas, chicken nuggets, corn dogs, fish sticks, meatballs, and lasagna.
To learn more about CN labels, check out this article.
Example of A CN Label
A CN (Child Nutrition) label provides information on how a product contributes to the meal pattern requirements set by the USDA. Manufacturers submit their products to the USDA to receive a CN label, which makes menu planning easier and ensures compliance during program reviews.
How to Find the CACFP Approved Food List for CN Label Products
If you’re searching for approved CN label products, the USDA provides a valuable resource. Each year, the USDA publishes a comprehensive CN Label Verification Report. You can access the most recent report here.
This report not only confirms the validity of CN label product numbers but also offers a detailed overview of all approved CN label products. By consulting this list, you can ensure that the products you use are compliant with USDA standards.
Looking for Assistance with the CACFP Approved Food List?
Navigating the CACFP requirements can be challenging, but our company is here to make it easier. Whether you need expert menu planning assistance or user-friendly software to simplify managing meal production records, we have the solutions to support you. Reach out to us today to streamline your CACFP process and get help with the CACFP Approved Food List!
This blog post was crafted in collaboration with cutting-edge AI!