07/27/2026
📣 BUY SMART—CHECK THE MINIMUM QUANTITY FIRST!
A food may be creditable under CACFP, but that does not automatically mean one package or container will provide enough food for every child being served.
In the example shown, one full can provides 1.5 oz eq of meat/meat alternate—enough to meet the lunch or supper minimum for only one child age 3–5. Serving less than the required amount means the meal may not meet CACFP meal-pattern requirements.
Before purchasing or serving a product:
✅ Review the CN Label or Product Formulation Statement
✅ Confirm the creditable amount provided by each package
✅ Check the minimum serving requirement for each age group
✅ Calculate how many packages are needed for all children being served
✅ Keep supporting product documentation on file
⚠️ Important: When the full minimum quantity is not served, the affected meals may be disallowed and reimbursement may be lost.
A product listed in a menu system may be creditable, but it may not always be the most practical or cost-effective choice. Verify the quantity before you buy!
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