CACFP Meal Pattern · 0-5 months
CACFP Meal Pattern for Infants Birth through 5 Months: Breakfast, Lunch or Supper, and Snack
For infants from birth through 5 months, the CACFP meal pattern consists of breast milk, iron-fortified infant formula, or portions of both.
Who serves Infants Birth through 5 Months meals under CACFP
- Child care centers
- Family day care homes
- Head Start programs
- Emergency shelters serving infants
Regulatory note: For infants birth through 5 months, the meal pattern consists of breast milk, iron-fortified infant formula, or portions of both. Follow current FNS and state-agency guidance for parent-provided milk, formula, and breastfeeding on site.
Breakfast — Infants Birth through 5 Months
| Component | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula | 4-6 fluid ounces |
Lunch or Supper — Infants Birth through 5 Months
| Component | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula | 4-6 fluid ounces |
Snack — Infants Birth through 5 Months
| Component | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula | 4-6 fluid ounces |
Key infant meal-pattern notes
- This age group's meal pattern consists of breast milk, iron-fortified infant formula, or portions of both.
- Follow current FNS and state-agency guidance for responsive feeding, parent-provided milk or formula, and breastfeeding on site.
Source: 7 CFR 226.20(b); USDA FNS Infant Meal Pattern Chart. Review the current USDA FNS CACFP nutrition standards before service.
Review Infants Birth through 5 Months menu drafts for meal-pattern gaps
CrEATe compares the information you enter with configured CACFP component and portion fields for Infants Birth through 5 Months, flags planning gaps, and prepares record drafts. Verify the result against current USDA, sponsor, and state guidance.