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CACFP Meal Pattern Reference

CACFP Meal Pattern Charts by Age Group

The CACFP meal pattern sets the minimum serving sizes and required components for every reimbursable meal served in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Requirements are age-specific. Pick the age group that matches your participants to see the full breakfast, lunch or supper, and snack requirement tables.

Browse by age group

Infants Birth through 5 Months

0-5 months

For infants from birth through 5 months, the CACFP meal pattern consists of breast milk, iron-fortified infant formula, or portions of both.

Infants 6 through 11 Months

6-11 months

Infants 6 through 11 months begin receiving solid foods alongside breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula as developmentally appropriate.

Children Ages 1-2

1-2

Children ages 1 and 2 in CACFP receive the smallest toddler serving sizes. Whole milk (unflavored) is required at ages 12-23 months.

Children Ages 3-5

3-5

Children ages 3 through 5 use the CACFP preschool-age minimum serving sizes for breakfast, lunch or supper, and snack.

Children Ages 6-12

6-12

School-age children ages 6 through 12 are served through CACFP in outside-school-hours care, at-risk afterschool, and emergency shelters.

Participants Ages 13-18

13-18

The CACFP meal-pattern table includes an ages 13-18 column used for eligible participants, including at-risk afterschool participants and emergency-shelter residents.

Adult Participants

Adults

Adults enrolled in CACFP-participating adult day care centers, including functionally impaired and older adults, receive the adult meal pattern.

Cross-cutting meal pattern rules

A handful of CACFP rules apply across all child and adult age groups:

  • Whole-grain rich: at least one grain component served per day must be whole-grain rich.
  • Juice limit: 100% juice may only be served once per day and must be full-strength.
  • Added-sugar caps (effective Oct. 1, 2025): breakfast cereals are capped at 6 g added sugars per dry ounce; yogurt is capped at 12 g added sugars per 6 oz.
  • No grain-based desserts: sweet rolls, cookies, granola bars, and similar items do not credit.
  • Family-style meal service is optional at all ages — sites must still serve the minimum required quantities.