Afterschool Snack Meal Pattern
Select 2 of the 4 components for a reimbursable snack.
| Food Components and Food Items1 | Children Ages 1 and 2 | Children Ages 3-5 | Children Ages 6-121 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Milk Fluid milk |
4 fl oz (1/2 cup) |
4 fl oz (1/2 cup) |
8 fl oz (1 cup) |
|
Vegetable or Fruit2, 9 Juice2, 9, fruit, and/or vegetable |
1/2 cup |
1/2 cup |
3/4 cup |
|
Grains/Breads3, 4 Bread or Cornbread or biscuit or roll or muffin or Cold dry cereal4 or Cooked cereal grains or Cooked pasta or noodles |
1/2 slice 1/2 serving 1/4 cup or 1/3 oz4 1/4 cup 1/4 cup |
1/2 slice 1/2 serving 1/3 cup or 1/2 oz4 1/4 cup 1/4 cup |
1 slice 1 serving 3/4 cup or 1 oz4 1/2 cup 1/2 cup |
|
Meat/Meat Alternate5, 6, 7 Lean meat or poultry or fish5 or Alternate protein products6 or Cheese or Egg (large) or Cooked dry beans or peas or Peanut or other nut or seed butters or Nuts and/or seeds7 or Yogurt8 |
1/2 oz 1/2 oz 1/2 oz 1/2 large egg 1/8 cup 1 Tbsp 1/2 oz7 2 oz or 1/4 cup |
1/2 oz 1/2 oz 1/2 oz 1/2 large egg 1/8 cup 1 Tbsp 1/2 oz7 2 oz or 1/4 cup |
1 oz 1 oz 1 oz 1/2 large egg 1/4 cup 2 Tbsp 1 oz 4 oz or 1/2 cup |
1 Children age 12 and older may be served larger portions based on their greater food needs. They may not be served less than the minimum quantities listed in this column.
2 Full strength vegetable and/or fruit juice or an equivalent quantity of any combination of vegetable(s), fruit(s), and juice.
3 At least 80 percent of grains offered weekly (by ounce equivalents) must be whole grain-rich, as defined in § 210.2, and the remaining grains items offered must be enriched. Grain-based desserts may not be used to meet the grains requirement. Effective July 1, 2025, breakfast cereal must have no more than 6 grams of added sugars per dry ounce. Information on crediting grain items may be found in FNS guidance.
4 Either volume (cup) or weight (oz), whichever is less.
5 A serving consists of the edible portion of cooked lean meat or poultry or fish.
6 Alternate protein products must meet the requirements in Appendix A to Part 226 of this Chapter.
7 Nuts and seeds are generally not recommended to be served to children ages 1-3 since they present a choking hazard. If served, nuts and seeds should be fi nely minced.
8 Yogurt may be plain or flavored, unsweetened, or sweetened – commercially prepared. Effective July 1, 2025, yogurt must contain no more than 12 grams of added sugars per 6 ounces (2 grams of added sugars per ounce) . Information on crediting meats/meat alternates may be found in FNS guidance.
9 Juice may not be served when milk is the only other component.
Updated July 2025
