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
Infants from birth through 5 months receive breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula on demand for every reimbursable meal under CACFP.
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 are the largest CACFP participant group and the core preschool age served in Head Start and child care centers.
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.
Children Ages 13-18 (At-Risk Afterschool Only)
13-18
Ages 13-18 are only claimed under CACFP in at-risk afterschool programs and emergency shelters. Portion sizes match ages 6-12.
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.
- Sugar caps: breakfast cereals capped at 6 g sugar per dry ounce; yogurt at 23 g 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.