Menus

POLICY:

NOCAC Child Development implements a nutrition program and menu that meets the nutritional needs and feeding requirements of each child in accordance to CACFP rules and regulations.

PROCEDURES:

Early Head Start will follow 0-5 month or 6-11 month menu.

1. Menu approval
   1. Each May a menu is submitted to NOCAC’s contractual registered dietician for suggestions and approval.
   2. The Registered Dietician evaluates menus according to Head Start Performance Standards, Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines
   3. If errors in the menus are identified, the Registered Dietician notifies NOCAC of necessary changes that must be made before menu approval.
   4. After reviewing submitted menus, the Registered Dietician sends an approved menu with signatures to the Health/Nutrition Assistant.
   5. Upon receipt of the approved menu cycle, Center Staff post the menu and make it available to parents each month.
2. Menu Posting
   1. Each center will post the monthly menu on the parent board to be readily accessible to parents.
   2. All changes/substitutions must be documented on the master menu that is returned to the Central Office.
      1. If more than one menu is posted at the Center for parents, NOCAC Staff will document changes/substitutions on all menus.
3. Menu Distribution
   a.  A copy of each menu will be sent home monthly or bi-monthly.
4. Missing Components
   1. Upon discovery of a particular meal that is missing one or more components to make it credible, the Center Cook/Nutrition Aide will notify the Health and Safety Assistant via phone and follow up with email to discuss possible corrective action.
      1. If unable to reach the HN Assistant, the nutrition staff will make appropriate substitutions/changes to ensure the meal meets all credible CACFP requirements.
      2. All changes will be noted on the master menu at the site.
5. Center Based Meals will follow CACFP meal pattern requirements.
6. Home Based Meals
   a.  Homebase menu will follow CACFP meal pattern requirements.
   b.  The menu will be submitted for approval to the Health/Nutrition one week prior.
   c.  Must be communicated with cook minimum 2 weeks prior.  Attendance count must be given to cook at least 1 week prior.  If the meal is served and is not creditable, we will not request reimbursement from CACFP.
   d. Meals for socializations will be picked by families from the menu the week of socialization.
7. Collaborative Site Menus
   a.  Collaborative sites need to submit the upcoming menu changes due to repetitiveness or inability to cook item to the Health/Nutrition Assistant and Cook at stand-alone site for approval and planning, at minimum 2 weeks prior.
   b.  Menu changes must be posted in a public space for parents to review.

Forms and Additional Guidance: