Fifteen standardized recipes have been added to the Child Nutrition Recipe Box (CNRB), seven of which are existing favorites that have been revised to reflect updates from the final rule, “Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” and eight new recipes that provide additional ideas for breakfast and lunch menus. 

The eight new recipes include Whole Wheat Pancakes, Cauliflower Rice, Chicken Salad, Griddle Corn Cakes, Breakfast Bowl, Taco Salad, Sweet Potato Hummus, and Quinoa Bowl. The seven revised recipes are Pumpkin Bread, Oatmeal Muffin Squares, Kati Kati Chicken, Jerk Fish Wrap, Orange Glazed Carrots, Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes, and Vegetable Frittata.

USDA Standardized Recipes provide program operators and menu planners with appealing and practical menu options for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. 

You may access the newly-released recipes in the Child Nutrition Recipe Box – USDA Standardized Recipes.

On December 19, 2024, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) released the memo CACFP 05-2025, Grain Requirements in the Child and Adult Care Food Program; Questions and Answers. The purpose of this memorandum is to provide updated guidance on the provisions of the 2024 final rule that apply to the grains requirements in the CACFP, which included adding a definition for whole grain-rich into CACFP regulations; changing product-based limits for breakfast cereals and yogurts from total sugars to added sugars; and updating guidance on substituting vegetables to meet the grains requirements for eligible program operators. 

TDA previously reported on a statewide webinar and in a previous newsletter that sponsors of any unaffiliated site would potentially be eligible to use the recently approved Offsite Monitoring Waiver. TDA is issuing a correction to clarify that only sponsors of traditional child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers will be considered for the waiver. Sponsors of At-risk sites are not currently eligible to use the waiver per USDA's approval of TDA's request. For eligible sponsors, the waiver request form and monitoring plan templates will be available in January.

The Texas Automated Nutrition System (TANS) will replace TX-UNPS for administration and management of all programs beginning with Program Year 2026 applications. Timelines, resources, and updates are available now on the Systems Hub.

USDA issued a request for information on December 26, 2024, to obtain input to help inform future policymaking, guidance, and technical assistance related to grain-based desserts and high-protein yogurt crediting in Child Nutrition Programs (CNP). Public input may be submitted to USDA through March 26, 2025.

On February 7, 2023, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) issued a proposed rule to update Child Nutrition Program (CNP) meal pattern requirements. The rule included a proposal to limit grain-based desserts in the School Breakfast Program to no more than two ounce equivalents per week, consistent with the National School Lunch Program. However, based on public feedback, FNS did not finalize that proposed limit in the final rule, which published on April 25, 2024. Partners raised concerns that the proposal would limit options at school breakfast and recommended that FNS re-evaluate use of grain-based desserts at school breakfast. In the final rule, USDA committed to exploring methods for improving and simplifying grain-based dessert requirements by soliciting further partner input.

Regarding yogurt, the variety of yogurt available at retail and in the K-12 market, including high-protein yogurt (e.g., Greek and Greek-style yogurt), has grown and evolved significantly. Therefore, in 2017, FNS requested public input on whether high-protein yogurt (including Greek and Greek-style yogurt) should credit differently than regular yogurt. Those comments were mixed and, as a result, FNS maintained consistent crediting for all yogurt in the CNPs. FNS is now seeking additional public input to determine if any new information warrants a change to yogurt crediting in the CNPs.

Additional Resources:
• More information about the request for information can be found on the FNS website
• Comments can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to Request for Information: Grain-Based Desserts and High-Protein Yogurt Crediting in Child Nutrition Programs and follow the online instructions for submitting comments.

On December 20, 2024, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) released the memo CACFP 06-2025, Feeding Infants and Meal Pattern Requirements in the Child and Adult Care Food Program; Questions and Answers. This memo provides updated guidance reflecting the final rule, provides recommendations on infant feeding and infant meal pattern requirements in the CACFP, and includes questions and answers. 

Visit USDA for more information on the Final Rule and upcoming changes. Let us know what kind of resources would best support you in implementing these new meal standards – Click here! 

The National CACFP Sponsors Association is offering scholarships to attend the 2025 National Child Nutrition Conference on April 14-18 in Dallas! The deadline to apply is January 10, 2025.