USDA Proposes Changes to Food Program

[AmyKidsCo]

"USDA has released the proposed rule for the Child and Adult Care Food Program, setting healthier meal patterns and nutrition standards rule for Head Start, child care, family child care and other out-of-school programs. Family child care providers and advocates will want to learn about these proposed rules."

http://fns.dpi.wi.gov/fns_prop_meal_patt_cacfp?

They're accepting comments from the public until April 15, so take a moment to read and comment on the proposed changes. If you know any health care professionals, nutritionists, dieticians, etc, encourage them to comment too!

The things I personally have a problem with are:
- Infants can't start solid foods until 6 months. (Some children are ready before that.)
- Restricts cheese for infants 6-12 months. (Because they can chew other forms of protein better??)
- Requires whole milk from 12-24 months. (My registered dietician sister in law who specializes in childhood obesity and diabetes says they get enough fat in their diets and you can't tell which children are at risk for obesity that young.)
- Allows non-dairy milk substitute with parent signature, not a doctor's signature. (Imagine if 1 child is on soy, another on almond, 12 mo old on whole and everyone else on 1% - my refrigerator isn't that big!)
- Separates fruits/veggies into separate components. (You can't serve 2 veggies anymore, just 1 of each. Seems less healthy to me...)

[Annalee]

"USDA has released the proposed rule for the Child and Adult Care Food Program, setting healthier meal patterns and nutrition standards rule for Head Start, child care, family child care and other out-of-school programs. Family child care providers and advocates will want to learn about these proposed rules."

http://fns.dpi.wi.gov/fns_prop_meal_patt_cacfp?

They're accepting comments from the public until April 15, so take a moment to read and comment on the proposed changes. If you know any health care professionals, nutritionists, dieticians, etc, encourage them to comment too!

The things I personally have a problem with are:
- Infants can't start solid foods until 6 months. (Some children are ready before that.)
- Restricts cheese for infants 6-12 months. (Because they can chew other forms of protein better??)
- Requires whole milk from 12-24 months. (My registered dietician sister in law who specializes in childhood obesity and diabetes says they get enough fat in their diets and you can't tell which children are at risk for obesity that young.)
- Allows non-dairy milk substitute with parent signature, not a doctor's signature. (Imagine if 1 child is on soy, another on almond, 12 mo old on whole and everyone else on 1% - my refrigerator isn't that big!)
- Separates fruits/veggies into separate components. (You can't serve 2 veggies anymore, just 1 of each. Seems less healthy to me...)

I got this, too, and am anxious to see how it plays out.

[Controlled Chaos]

I get maybe making it only giving infants under 6 months real food with a Drs note - but not at all???

And no cheese?

hmmm

[Leigh]

"USDA has released the proposed rule for the Child and Adult Care Food Program, setting healthier meal patterns and nutrition standards rule for Head Start, child care, family child care and other out-of-school programs. Family child care providers and advocates will want to learn about these proposed rules."

http://fns.dpi.wi.gov/fns_prop_meal_patt_cacfp?

They're accepting comments from the public until April 15, so take a moment to read and comment on the proposed changes. If you know any health care professionals, nutritionists, dieticians, etc, encourage them to comment too!

The things I personally have a problem with are:
- Infants can't start solid foods until 6 months. (Some children are ready before that.)
- Restricts cheese for infants 6-12 months. (Because they can chew other forms of protein better??)
- Requires whole milk from 12-24 months. (My registered dietician sister in law who specializes in childhood obesity and diabetes says they get enough fat in their diets and you can't tell which children are at risk for obesity that young.)
- Allows non-dairy milk substitute with parent signature, not a doctor's signature. (Imagine if 1 child is on soy, another on almond, 12 mo old on whole and everyone else on 1% - my refrigerator isn't that big!)
- Separates fruits/veggies into separate components. (You can't serve 2 veggies anymore, just 1 of each. Seems less healthy to me...)

I would be sure to comment on this on the designated website. I have an issue with the "no frying"-it's too broad to me. I don't deep fry anything, ever, but it sounds like we couldn't even make a grilled cheese or pan fry veggies for fajitas. I support the whole milk, thing, though. I have seen many reports that people who drink whole milk weigh LESS than those who drink skim, and it doesn't seem right to me to put a toddler on a "diet" of any form. I have 2 kids here on soy milk, 1 on rice milk, 1 on whole milk, and 1 on 1%...it is NOT fun to store all that milk! I have a 2nd refrigerator here that is full of only milk!

I agree about the fruit/veggie thing-I usually serve one of each, but often do 2 veggies, too (like fajitas with a side of carrots). I see very little on the changes that truly affect me, but many of the changes seem unnecessary to me, too.

[Sugaree]

I would be sure to comment on this on the designated website. I have an issue with the "no frying"-it's too broad to me. I don't deep fry anything, ever, but it sounds like we couldn't even make a grilled cheese or pan fry veggies for fajitas. I support the whole milk, thing, though. I have seen many reports that people who drink whole milk weigh LESS than those who drink skim, and it doesn't seem right to me to put a toddler on a "diet" of any form. I have 2 kids here on soy milk, 1 on rice milk, 1 on whole milk, and 1 on 1%...it is NOT fun to store all that milk! I have a 2nd refrigerator here that is full of only milk!

I agree about the fruit/veggie thing-I usually serve one of each, but often do 2 veggies, too (like fajitas with a side of carrots). I see very little on the changes that truly affect me, but many of the changes seem unnecessary to me, too.

I'll admit that I don't know how specific the program is, but seems to me that grilled cheese is well...grilled. And I've never thought of fajitas as pan fried, but "sauteed." To me, fried requires at least enough oil to form a pool.

[melilley]

Isn't the requirement for whole milk already 12-24 months?

I agree, the frying part is too vague. What do they consider frying? Sometimes I make homemade hashbrowns and have to use olive or veggie oil. Maybe they mean deep frying?

I like the new age groups for infants. But I think the parent should decide when their child should start solids. Most doctor's do advise to wait until 6 months, but some don't.

We can still serve things outside of the fp, but not claim them. So as long as we say, feed a 5 month old a bottle, which is required, and food, we can still claim that meal.

[Heidi]

Isn't the requirement for whole milk already 12-24 months?

I agree, the frying part is too vague. What do they consider frying? Sometimes I make homemade hashbrowns and have to use olive or veggie oil. Maybe they mean deep frying?

I like the new age groups for infants. But I think the parent should decide when their child should start solids. Most doctor's do advise to wait until 6 months, but some don't.

We can still serve things outside of the fp, but not claim them. So as long as we say, feed a 5 month old a bottle, which is required, and food, we can still claim that meal.

No, it's currently a recommendation, to a requirement.

[Heidi]

"USDA has released the proposed rule for the Child and Adult Care Food Program, setting healthier meal patterns and nutrition standards rule for Head Start, child care, family child care and other out-of-school programs. Family child care providers and advocates will want to learn about these proposed rules."

http://fns.dpi.wi.gov/fns_prop_meal_patt_cacfp?

They're accepting comments from the public until April 15, so take a moment to read and comment on the proposed changes. If you know any health care professionals, nutritionists, dieticians, etc, encourage them to comment too!

The things I personally have a problem with are:
- Infants can't start solid foods until 6 months. (Some children are ready before that.)
- Restricts cheese for infants 6-12 months. (Because they can chew other forms of protein better??)
I would read the proposal as saying you can, you just don't claim it. Of course, some FP may interpret that differently (or some providers) and therefore not offer it at all until 6 months.
- Requires whole milk from 12-24 months. (My registered dietician sister in law who specializes in childhood obesity and diabetes says they get enough fat in their diets and you can't tell which children are at risk for obesity that young.)I personally think the whole low-fat milk thing is a huge crock. Kids aren't overweight because of milk, and we all know it.
- Allows non-dairy milk substitute with parent signature, not a doctor's signature. (Imagine if 1 child is on soy, another on almond, 12 mo old on whole and everyone else on 1% - my refrigerator isn't that big!)
Do you think that means we HAVE to accommodate every parent's wish? I'd take it as the parent can decide vs. the doctor, making it easier, but the provider still gets a say.
- Separates fruits/veggies into separate components. (You can't serve 2 veggies anymore, just 1 of each. Seems less healthy to me...)Totally agree there. I rarely serve fruit at lunch. Breakfast and snack, yes, lunch, always 2 veggies.

Thanks for sharing that!

[melilley]

No, it's currently a recommendation, to a requirement.

Interesting, my fp sponsor told me I have to give whole milk to my 12-24 month kids, then 1% or less to kids over 24 months.

[melilley]

I support the whole milk, thing, though. I have seen many reports that people who drink whole milk weigh LESS than those who drink skim, and it doesn't seem right to me to put a toddler on a "diet" of any form. I have 2 kids here on soy milk, 1 on rice milk, 1 on whole milk, and 1 on 1%...it is NOT fun to store all that milk! I have a 2nd refrigerator here that is full of only milk!

I have whole, 1%, 2% (for my dh), and had almond milk for another child.

[Heidi]

Interesting, my fp sponsor told me I have to give whole milk to my 12-24 month kids, then 1% or less to kids over 24 months.

yeah, one of mine tried to tell me that, too. When I questioned it, she went back and checked.

The way the rule is written, it says "Milk served must be low-fat (1%) or non-fat (skim) for children ages 2 years and older and adults.". It doesn't even mention 1 year olds. Most doctors recommend Whole milk, though, so that's why FP people say it.

http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/Child_Meals.pdf

[renodeb]

To be honest, I have never had an infant start foods right at 6 mos. I don't think it hurts kids to drink the whole milk. I have read study after study that shows kids who drink whole milk weigh no more than kids who have had other kinds of milk. Providers are going to be up in arms no matter what it seems. With the fajta issue wouldn't that be more like stir fry?
I don't like change of any kind so I will be interested to see how it plays out. I'm sure they will talk about it at our next training.

[melilley]

yeah, one of mine tried to tell me that, too. When I questioned it, she went back and checked.

The way the rule is written, it says "Milk served must be low-fat (1%) or non-fat (skim) for children ages 2 years and older and adults.". It doesn't even mention 1 year olds. Most doctors recommend Whole milk, though, so that's why FP people say it.

http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/defaul...hild_Meals.pdf

Ahhh, makes sense.

[KiddieCahoots]

My fp lady was just here last week and told me this was coming.

I love the information shared here, thank you!

[jenboo]

"USDA has released the proposed rule for the Child and Adult Care Food Program, setting healthier meal patterns and nutrition standards rule for Head Start, child care, family child care and other out-of-school programs. Family child care providers and advocates will want to learn about these proposed rules."

http://fns.dpi.wi.gov/fns_prop_meal_patt_cacfp?

They're accepting comments from the public until April 15, so take a moment to read and comment on the proposed changes. If you know any health care professionals, nutritionists, dieticians, etc, encourage them to comment too!

The things I personally have a problem with are:
- Infants can't start solid foods until 6 months. (Some children are ready before that.) I have never had an infant start before 6 months. I personally don't think their digestive tracks are ready yet
- Restricts cheese for infants 6-12 months. (Because they can chew other forms of protein better??) This is weird. why can't they have cheese?
- Requires whole milk from 12-24 months. (My registered dietician sister in law who specializes in childhood obesity and diabetes says they get enough fat in their diets and you can't tell which children are at risk for obesity that young.) My food program requires this already.
- Allows non-dairy milk substitute with parent signature, not a doctor's signature. (Imagine if 1 child is on soy, another on almond, 12 mo old on whole and everyone else on 1% - my refrigerator isn't that big!) I love this. I do not think people should consume dairy...especially milk. I hate being required to give them milk. Most of my parents would be just fine with me serving an alternative. My parents also do not know the food program rules. If I had 5 families wanting different milk, I would just say i only serve option a or b. Pick which one you want.
- Separates fruits/veggies into separate components. (You can't serve 2 veggies anymore, just 1 of each. Seems less healthy to me...) I definitely dont like this. Fruit has tons of sugar. I do not think they need fruit at lunch. I almost always do fruit at breakfast, two veggies at lunch and alternate between a fruit or veggie at snack.

I think they really need to focus more on the quality/nutrition of the food being served. They allow tons of junk and processed food.
We can serve donuts, coffee cake, a huge selection of sugary cereals, fish sticks, chicken nuggets, boxed mac and cheese..etc.