Arnette Cowan, MS, RD, LDN Nutrition Consultant
Head, Special Nutrition Programs Unit

The purpose of this memo is to clarify an error that was published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2000 regarding Child and Adult Care Food Program Meal Pattern which misstated the minimum amounts of meat and meat alternates. This memo is also to clarify the use of yogurt as Meat Alternates in the Child Nutrition Programs.

Yogurt or cheese can be substituted to meet the milk requirement of the adult meal pattern at any meal or snack, except one, each day. One meal or snack each day must contain fluid milk. It is not necessary that the fluid milk be served at a CACFP reimbursed meal. The fluid milk may be served at any meal during the day, as long as the center can document that the milk was served. This provision is in effect only as long as the meal pattern is not amended." At this time, we want to reemphasize that yogurt can be substituted to meet the milk requirement in certain meals, and the 1997 amendment that allows yogurt to be substituted as a meat or meat alternate should continue to be implemented in the adult meal pattern. However, yogurt may not substitute for both components in a single meal.

Additionally, an error appeared in the final rule on alternate protein products that was published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2000. The attached table will give you the correct minimum amount of each type of meat or meat alternate that may contribute to a reimbursable snack in CACFP.

If you have any questions, please contact me at (919) 715-1926 or your regional special nutrition programs consultant.

cc: SNP Staff