CACFP Policy Memo Number 130C

DOH-CACFP: Number 130C (04/09), Supersedes Number 25 (7/97)

TO: All CACFP Center Sponsors

FROM: Lynne Oudekerk, Acting State Director, Child and Adult Care Food Program

SUBJECT: Use of Yogurt at Lunch and/or Supper

I. Purpose and Scope

CACFP Sponsors have the option of serving yogurt as a meat alternate for lunch, supper or snack. Previously, yogurt could only be credited as a meat alternate for snack.

II. Background Information

  1. Only commercially prepared fat-free or low-fat yogurt may be served. The yogurt may be flavored, sweetened or unsweetened, plain or with fruit added. Four ounces or ½ cup of yogurt is credited as one ounce of meat (six ounces or ¾ cup yogurt = 1½ oz. meat, etc.). Yogurt may be credited for children and adults but not for infants less than 12 months of age. If you are serving fruited yogurt, the fruit in the yogurt cannot be credited as part of the fruit/vegetable component.
  2. CACFP programs serving adults are permitted to serve one cup of fat-free or low-fat yogurt in place of one cup of fluid milk, as long as fluid milk is served at one meal or snack per day.
  3. The following yogurts are not creditable in CACFP: full-fat yogurt products, yogurt bars, yogurt covered fruits and or nuts, or similar products.

III. Summary of Changes

This change assists sponsors to better serve the diverse needs of their populations. It provides another meat alternative for participants who, for a variety of reasons, do not eat meat. If you have any questions, please call 1-800-942-3858.