From Blank Menu to a Documented Planning Draft
Follow a four-step planning path to prepare a CACFP or SFSP menu, review meal-pattern gaps, and organize records for sponsor or state review.
Set Up Your Program
Select your program type, age groups, and meal schedule so the workspace can show the relevant planning fields.
- Choose CACFP or SFSP program type
- Select age groups you serve
- Set your meal service schedule
Program Type
CACFP - Child Care CenterAge Groups
Ages 3-5, Ages 6-12Meals Served
Breakfast, Lunch, PM SnackBuild Your Menu
Select foods and portions from available product and source records. CrEATe flags component and quantity gaps against the selected meal pattern as you go.
- Use USDA FBG yield references and separately search Product Records
- Drag and drop menu planning
- Meal pattern checks as you build
Whole Grain Oatmeal
1 oz eq grainApple Slices
½ cup fruit1% Low-Fat Milk
6 oz fluid milkReview Product Sources and Documentation
Review available USDA records, manufacturer PFS documents, and CN labels. Missing documentation remains unresolved so you know what still needs verification.
- Available PFS and CN document links
- Source fields shown when available
- Open available source-document links
Product Formulation Statement
Source ReviewExport Menu Drafts & Prepare Records
Download menu drafts in available formats, then prepare production-record drafts in the separate record workspace. Confirm the required format and supporting evidence with your sponsor or state agency.
- Export menus as Excel or PDF
- Create and save production-record drafts separately
- Save ordinary menu drafts for later editing
Weekly Menu - Excel
Planning draft with componentsProduction Records
Draft for program reviewPFS Documentation
Available sources indexedKeep Planning Checks and Records Together
Move from menu setup to documentation follow-up without losing track of unresolved items.
Build the Menu
Select the program, age groups, meals, foods, and portions that match your planned service.
Review Meal-Pattern Gaps
Review configured federal pattern checks and resolve warnings before you finalize your planning draft.
Prepare Supporting Records
Export drafts, gather current source documents, and confirm final requirements with your sponsor or state agency.
Ready to Bring Your Planning Workflow Together?
Create a free account to use the protected menu, checking, and documentation tools. No credit card required.
Create a Free Planning AccountExplore More
Planning & Documentation Features
Menu planning, source review, meal-pattern gap checks, and documentation drafts.
Menu Builder
Build CACFP and SFSP menu drafts with gap checks. Free account required.
Getting Started
Set up your program and learn the menu-planning workflow.
Blog & Updates
CACFP and SFSP explainers, source links, and product updates.