CACFP Menu Planning and Nutritional Compliance Review
CACFP menu planning must meet USDA nutritional requirements to qualify for federal reimbursement while providing nutritionally adequate meals for children's growth and development. This weekly menu review verifies compliance with CACFP meal patterns, MyPlate guidelines, and USDA food buying practices.
- Industry: Childcare and Education
- Frequency: Weekly
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Role: CACFP Coordinator / Center Director
- Total Items: 31
Breakfast Menu Review
Review breakfast menu for CACFP compliance.
- Breakfast includes whole grain-rich grain or bread serving?
- Breakfast includes fruit or vegetable serving?
- Age-appropriate milk served at breakfast (1% or skim for children 2+)?
- No high-sugar foods served at breakfast (no frosted cereals, pastries)?
- Variety of breakfast foods planned across the week?
Lunch/Supper Menu Review
Review lunch and supper menus.
- Lunch includes meat or meat alternate (protein)?
- Lunch includes whole grain-rich grain serving?
- Lunch includes two different fruits and/or vegetables?
- Lunch includes milk?
- Same fruit or vegetable not served twice at same meal?
- No non-creditable foods on the menu (candy, chips, non-CACFP items)?
Snack Menu Review
Review snack menus for CACFP compliance.
- All snacks include at least two different food components?
- Juice not served more than once per day as a fruit/vegetable serving?
- Snacks consist of nutritionally substantive foods (not crackers alone, not candy)?
- Snacks planned at least 1 hour apart from meal service?
- Variety of snack options planned for the week?
Overall Nutritional Quality
Review menu for overall nutritional adequacy.
- Majority of grains on the weekly menu are whole grain-rich?
- Wide variety of fruits and vegetables including leafy greens?
- Low-sodium options prioritized where possible?
- Added sugars minimized throughout the weekly menu?
- Alternative items available for children with dietary restrictions?
Infant Feeding Menu (if applicable)
Review infant feeding practices for compliance.
- Does center serve infants in CACFP program?
- Breastfeeding mothers supported with bottle storage and warming?
- Iron-fortified formula provided for infants under 12 months when needed?
- Solid foods introduced per infant developmental readiness, not before 4-6 months?
- Infant portion sizes appropriate per CACFP infant meal pattern?
Menu Documentation
Complete menu documentation requirements.
- Weekly menu posted or distributed to parents in advance?
- Weekly menu maintained on file per CACFP record retention requirements?
- Process in place to document menu deviations and substitutions?
- Known food allergies and special diets integrated into menu planning?
- Menu planning notes
Related Childcare Education Checklists
- Childcare Food Allergy Management Compliance
- Childcare Nutrition Education and Healthy Eating Program
- CACFP Monthly Food Program Compliance Audit
- Childcare Special Diet and Food Allergy Management
- After-School Program Pickup Authorization and Safety
- Childcare State Licensing Compliance Self-Audit
- Childcare Staff Training and Professional Development Compliance
- Childcare Transportation Safety Inspection
Related Nutrition Meals Checklists
- Childcare Food Allergy Management Compliance - FREE Download
- Childcare Nutrition Education and Healthy Eating Program - FREE Download
- CACFP Monthly Food Program Compliance Audit - FREE Download
- Childcare Special Diet and Food Allergy Management - FREE Download
- Childcare Mealtime Supervision and Nutrition Observation - FREE Download
- Childcare Center Menu Planning and CACFP Compliance Review - FREE Download
- Childcare Kitchen and Food Service Daily Sanitation Inspection - FREE Download
Why Use This CACFP Menu Planning and Nutritional Compliance Review?
This cacfp menu planning and nutritional compliance review helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for cacfp coordinator / center director professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CACFP Menu Planning and Nutritional Compliance Review cover?
This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 6 sections: Breakfast Menu Review, Lunch/Supper Menu Review, Snack Menu Review, Overall Nutritional Quality, Infant Feeding Menu (if applicable), Menu Documentation. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed weekly. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Who should use this CACFP Menu Planning and Nutritional Compliance Review?
This checklist is designed for CACFP Coordinator / Center Director professionals in the childcare and education industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.