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Meal Patterns & Menu Planning

Information and resources on the federally mandated meal patterns, menu planning options, and meal documentation requirements for all child nutrition programs.

Child and Adult Care Food Program

Infant Nutrition Resources
Guidance and resources for child care agencies and school districts serving meals to infants in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs.

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Meal Pattern
Includes meal patterns (MP), upcoming workshop and conference information, online courses, resources, policy guidance, compliance, frequently asked questions, and contact information for CACFP program operators.

Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations (DOC)
Child Nutrition Program (CNP) 925 - This form is used by parents/guardians to have a medical authority prescribe special meals or accommodations during meals.
Available translations of the Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations for Child Nutrition Programs (Dated Aug-2017)

School Nutrition Programs

Infant Nutrition Resources
Guidance and resources for child care agencies and school districts serving meals to infants in the USDA Child Nutrition Programs.

Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations (DOC)
CNP 925 - This form is used by parents/guardians to have a medical authority prescribe special meals or accommodations during meals.
Available translations of the Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations for Child Nutrition Programs (Dated Aug-2017)

Menu Planning and Production Record Forms
Forms used to determine the amount of food to serve for menu production.

School Menu Planning Options
Information and resources on the new Food-Based Menu Planning (FBMP) approach for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and current menu planning for the School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Summer Food Service Program

Infant Nutrition Resources
Guidance and resources for child care agencies and school districts serving meals to infants in the USDA Child Nutrition Programs.

Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations (DOC)
CNP 925 - This form is used by parents/guardians to have a medical authority prescribe special meals or accommodations during meals.

Available translations of the Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations for Child Nutrition Programs (Dated Aug-2017)

Nutrition Requirements External link opens in new window or tab.
USDA information and resources on the menu planning, preparation documentation, and MP for sponsors participating in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

Questions:   Education and Nutrition Policy Unit | HHFKA@cde.ca.gov | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Friday, May 22, 2020
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