Providers can ensure healthy development in the CACFP infant meal pattern while introducing little ones to a world of flavors and textures.
🍼 CACFP Infant Meal Pattern Over view
Infants 0–5 Months
- 4–6 fl oz breast milk or iron-for tified formula at all meals/snacks
- No solids yet—nutrition comes fully from milk/formula
- Infants 6–11 Months
- Meals must include:
- 6–8 fl oz breast milk or formula
- 0–4 tbsp cereal, meat, yogur t, cheese, or beans
- 0–2 tbsp fruit and/or vegetables
- Snacks include similar por tions with optional grains or produce.
- Introduce solids gradually based on developmental readiness and family input.
🥄 Creative & Compliant Menu Ideas
🍓 Rotate Seasonal Foods
Add variety and reduce costs with seasonal produce:
- Spring: Peas, strawberries
- Summer: Peaches, zucchini
- Fall: Sweet potato, pumpkin
- Winter: Butternut squash, pears
🌍 Include Cultural Flavors
Introduce mild versions of global ingredients:
- Latin: Mashed black beans, avocado
- Asian: Soft tofu, rice
- Indian: Lentils, soft naan
- Mediterranean: Hummus, couscous
👶 Texture Progression by Age
- 6–7 mo: Smooth purees
- 8–9 mo: Mashed & soft finger foods
- 10–11 mo: Small soft pieces
🍽 Sample CACFP-Friendly Recipes
Protein Ideas
- Egg & Veggie Scramble: Soft egg, spinach, cheese (8–11 mo)
- Bean & Cheese Mash: Pinto beans + cottage cheese (6–11 mo)
Fruit/Veggie Combos
- Sweet Potato Apple Blend: Mashed sweet potato + applesauce
- Pea & Pear Puree: Mashed peas + pear
Grain Options
- Banana Oatmeal: Cooked oatmeal + mashed banana
- Yogurt Cereal Blend: Whole milk yogur t + cereal + berries
LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950
