The 2017 New USDA Meal Pattern for Children modifies the requirements for fluid milk in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Milk served in the CACFP must meet the following, which includes changes that come with the implementation of the new Meal Pattern for Children as of October 1, 2017

• Unflavored, whole milk must be served to children one (1) year of age.
• Unflavored  low-fat (1%) milk or fat-free (skim) milk must be served to children two (2) years of age and older.
• Non-dairy milk substitutes that are nutritionally equivalent to milk may be served in place of milk to children with medical or special dietary needs. Parents must supply the provider with medical documentation for any other substitutions.

Milk served must be pasteurized fluid milk that meets state and local standards and contains vitamin A and D as specified by the Food and Drug Administration. Evaporated milk does not meet the definition of milk. Milk may be lactose-free milk; lactose reduced milk, cultured buttermilk, or acidified milk.

Providers should consider altering food items so that they can be served in manageable bites. The information about alternate food preparation methods relates only to other foods not specifically identified in the lit below. The foods listed are not to be served to children under the age of 4 years.