Milk …Part of a Balanced, Healthy Meal Pattern

Milk is an important beverage, it’s loaded with nutrients needed for growth and development. It’s high in protein, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. It helps builds strong bones, teeth, and muscles. It also provides hydration even when a child has a cold.

The CACFP meal pattern requires that each child’s breakfast, lunch, and supper include milk. Children between the ages of 1 year and 2 years of age receive whole milk, children this age need the additional fat for brain and nerve development. Children 2 and up receive 1% or fat-free milk. Low-fat milk is equally nutritious as whole milk. Serving the 1% or fat-free milk very cold may be a key to assist in the transition from whole milk at 2 years of age.

Try this simple spring snack from the National CACFP Association and check out our CACFP estimator tool to see what your potential reimbursement would be!