We plan to return to the office tomorrow, weather permitting. If conditions don’t improve, we’ll be working from home and remain available via email and phone.

In April 2024, the Final Rule, "Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans," was published and included certain changes impacting CACFP operations. This final rule updated the Vitamin A and Vitamin D units of measurement for fluid milk substitutes from International Units (IUs) to micrograms (mcg). The amount of Vitamin A and Vitamin D required in fluid milk substitutes did not change; only the unit of measurement changed to conform to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeling requirements. Read policy memo CACFP 01-2025, “Nutrition Requirements for Fluid Milk and Substitutions in the CACFP, Questions and Answers,” for more information.

The final rule also clarified that both State licensed healthcare professionals and registered dietitians may write medical statements to request meal modifications on behalf of participants with disabilities. To learn more, check out the Requirement to Accept Medical Statements from Registered Dietitians for Schools and Child and Adult Care Institutions and Facilities webpage and policy memo.

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.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) requests comments from the public to help inform future policymaking, guidance, and technical assistance related to grain-based desserts and crediting high-protein yogurt (which may include Greek and Greek-style yogurt) in the Child Nutrition Programs. FNS published Request for Information: Grain-Based Desserts and High-Protein Yogurt Crediting in Child Nutrition Programs on December 26, 2024.

FNS encourages interested persons to submit comments on this request for information on or before March 26, 2025. The public may submit comments by any of the following methods:

• Online via the Federal eRulemaking Portal (preferred method): Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
• Mail: Send comments to School Meals Policy Division, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314.