Expect to see monthly emails blasts which will let you know what we are working on. The email blasts will feature a few new rules each month that you can begin implementing once you feel ready. Over time, you will be introduced to all the new rules. We encourage all participants to get ahead of the game by training staff members on the monthly featured rules.

DON’T FORGET you must comply with all new rules by October 1, 2017. The good news is you can start incorporating new rules today at a pace that you feel is right for you and your organization. Keep reading to find out which rules you can adopt now.  

If you choose to wait until October 2017 to train staff or implement the new meal pattern rules, you are allowed to do so.  But why wait?  We suggest getting ahead of the game and starting now!

When will training be available?

We plan to slowly release guidance and training materials beginning now through winter/early spring of 2017. This will allow you to train staff members on new program rules bit by bit, rather than adopting all the new rules at once. We will begin releasing the easiest rules first, followed by more challenging rules, when we receive more guidance from USDA.

We expect to teach the new nutrition rules at the CACFP monthly in-person training starting in the winter of 2016/2017. And watch for training webinars specific to the meal pattern changes.

Read more about the USDA policy guiding Colorado’s early implementation plan here.

• If you have one year olds in care (12 months to 23 months), you must serve them unflavored whole milk* rather than flavored milks (chocolate, strawberry, banana, etc.).
• For 2-5 year olds in care, you must serve unflavored low-fat or fat-free milk instead of flavored milks.
• All participants, 2 years and older, including adults in adult day care, must be served low-fat (1%) or fat-free (skim) milk* instead of 2% or whole milk.

• Start working to eliminate fruit juice from the infant menu.  No juice for infants under 12 months of age is allowed with the new meal patterns.

Best Practices for optimum nutrition delivery

• We encourage you to serve unflavored milk to all CACFP participants regardless of age. 
• If you choose to serve flavored milk, be sure to check the nutrition label first to help limit sugar. 
• Check the label to ensure the milk contains no more than 22 grams of sugar for every 8 ounces.  

Got Questions?