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Infants and Preschool in NSLP and SBP

girl and boyThe information on this page applies to meals served to infants, child care, preschool, and pre-kindergarten students participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). For information about infants, child care, preschool, and pre-kindergarten students participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), visit the Community Nutrition Team’s CACFP webpage.  

Infant and Preschool Comparison Chart: This resource explains the differences between claiming infants and preschool children under the NSLP/SBP/ASP versus the CACFP.

Infant and Preschool Meal Pattern

The Infant and Preschool meal pattern also known as the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal pattern is required for SFAs serving infants and/or children aged 1-5 years old and not yet in kindergarten. The Infant and Preschool meal pattern requirements better align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Meals served under the Infant and Preschool nutrition standards include a greater variety of vegetables and fruits, more whole grains, and less added sugar. The resources and guidance on this webpage will assist SFAs in implementing the updated Infant and Preschool meal pattern. Some materials on this webpage may reference the CACFP. Please note the Infant and Preschool meal pattern for schools is the same as the CACFP meal pattern.
 

Infant and Preschool Meal Pattern Training

Resources

Milk Component
Meat/Meat Alternate Component
Grains Component
Fruits and Vegetables Component
Infants
Production Records and Menu Planning

Preschool

You may choose to use a separate production record for children following the Preschool meal pattern, modify your current production record, or use a production record designed for multiple grade groups.
The DPI School Nutrition Team Production Record Templates are a modifiable option.
 
Preschool Production Records
Preschool Menu Planning Worksheets

Infants

Use the Infant Meal Form or Infant Meal Record to document parent-supplied components, meal components offered, and meals offered to infants. See the Infants tab for more information.

For assistance with menu planning or standardized recipes, visit the DPI School Nutrition Team Menu Planning page.

Snacks

For information about serving and claiming snacks to infants and preschool-aged children participating in the NSLP and SBP, please visit the Afterschool Snack Program Webpage.

Meal Environment
Guidance

USDA Policy Memos

Creditability of Infant Formulas Imported Through the Food and Drug Administration’s 2022 Infant Enforcement Discretion Policy in the Child and Adult Care Food ProgramCACFP 01-2023, USDA, 10/13/22

Contacts

For specific questions regarding the Infant and Preschool meal pattern in schools, please contact one of the Infant and Preschool Specialists below.
Jennifer Eldridge, RDN, CD, NDTR

Nutrition Program Consultant
(608) 266-5191
jennifer.eldridge@dpi.wi.gov

Ann Wiebelhaus
Nutrition Program Consultant
(608)267-9233