Childcare Center Menu Planning and CACFP Compliance Review
CACFP meal pattern requirements must be met at every meal served to receive reimbursement and maintain program eligibility. This monthly review verifies menus meet all USDA meal pattern components, accommodate special dietary needs, and are documented per CACFP record-keeping standards.
- Industry: Childcare and Education
- Frequency: Monthly
- Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
- Role: Center Director / Food Service Manager
- Total Items: 30
Breakfast Meal Pattern
Verify breakfast meets CACFP meal pattern for each age group.
- Fluid milk included at every breakfast per age-appropriate serving size?
- Whole grain-rich grain or bread at every breakfast?
- Fruit or vegetable included at every breakfast?
- Serving sizes appropriate for each age group per CACFP tables?
- At least one grain per day is whole grain-rich (51% or more whole grain)?
Lunch and Supper Meal Pattern
Verify lunch and supper meet CACFP requirements.
- Fluid milk at every lunch and supper?
- Meat or meat alternate at every lunch and supper?
- Two different vegetables or a vegetable and fruit at every lunch and supper?
- Grain component at every lunch and supper?
- Only CACFP creditable foods on menu (no non-creditable foods counted)?
Snack Meal Pattern
Verify snacks meet CACFP requirements.
- Each snack contains at least two of four required components?
- Juice served no more than once per day at snack only?
- No sweetened beverages (flavored milk for children under 6, sports drinks, soda) on menu?
- Snack scheduled at least 1 hour but no more than 3 hours from meals?
- Snack meal counts documented separately from meal counts?
Special Dietary Accommodations
Verify special diets are properly documented and accommodated.
- Medical diet statements on file for all children requiring diet modifications?
- Alternative menus prepared for children with documented food allergies?
- Approved non-dairy milk alternatives provided for lactose intolerant children with medical statement?
- Vegetarian or religious dietary accommodations available as needed?
- Kitchen and serving staff trained on all current dietary accommodations?
Prohibited Foods Compliance
Verify no prohibited foods on CACFP menu.
- No grain-based desserts served as grain component (no cookies, cakes, donuts)?
- No deep-fried foods on menu?
- No whole nuts or large nut pieces served to children under 4?
- No honey in any form for infants under 12 months?
- No flavored milk for children ages 1-5?
CACFP Record-Keeping
Verify CACFP documentation requirements are met.
- Daily meal count forms completed for every meal served?
- Monthly menus filed with actual foods served noted?
- Daily attendance records available to support meal counts?
- Food purchase receipts and invoices filed to support claims?
- CACFP records retained for minimum 3 years per program requirements?
Related Childcare Education Checklists
- Childcare Kitchen and Food Service Daily Sanitation Inspection
- CACFP Menu Planning and Nutritional Compliance Review
- Childcare Food Allergy Management Compliance
- Childcare Nutrition Education and Healthy Eating Program
- After-School Program Enrollment and Registration Compliance
- Childcare Aquatic and Water Safety Inspection
- Childcare Center Vendor and Visitor Safety Screening
- Infant Room Daily Environment and Safety Check
Related Nutrition Meals Checklists
- CACFP Menu Planning and Nutritional Compliance Review - FREE Download
- 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 Kitchen and Food Service Daily Sanitation Inspection - FREE Download
Why Use This Childcare Center Menu Planning and CACFP Compliance Review?
This childcare center menu planning and cacfp compliance review helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for center director / food service manager professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Childcare Center Menu Planning and CACFP Compliance Review cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Breakfast Meal Pattern, Lunch and Supper Meal Pattern, Snack Meal Pattern, Special Dietary Accommodations, Prohibited Foods Compliance, CACFP Record-Keeping. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Who should use this Childcare Center Menu Planning and CACFP Compliance Review?
This checklist is designed for Center Director / Food Service Manager 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.