Welcome to the New Digital Edition of Better Child Care Healthy Bites Newsletter!
Thank you all for your continued patience and support as we transition into the digital world. We know change isn’t always easy, and we truly appreciate your flexibility and feedback as we work through the kinks.
We’re hopeful that this month’s edition will run a bit smoother than the last—and we’re committed to improving the experience with each issue. Our goal is to make it easier for you to access the information, resources, and updates you rely on to support the children and families you serve.
We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to growing together in this new digital space. As always, your thoughts and suggestions are welcome!
Warmly,
The Better Child Care Team
New Yogurt Guidelines in CACFP:
Sweet News: New Yogurt Guidelines for CACFP Starting October 1, 2025
🗓 What’s Changing?
Effective October 1, 2025, yogurt served to children in CACFP must contain
No more than 12 grams of added sugars per 6 ounces
(That’s a shift from the current 23 grams of total sugars allowed.)
This change supports healthier eating and aligns with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
✅ Key Guidelines for Yogurt in CACFP
✔ Creditable Yogurt:
- Must be commercially prepared (no homemade or drinkable yogurts).
- Must be dairy- or soy-based and meet FDA’s Standard of Identity for yogurt.
✔ Sugar Limits:
| Timeframe | Sugar Limit |
|---|---|
| Now–Sept 30, 2025 | ≤ 23g total sugars per 6 oz |
| Starting Oct 1, 2025 | ≤ 12g added sugars per 6 oz |
💡 Tip: Look at the “Added Sugars” line on the Nutrition Facts label to check for compliance.
🍽 Serving Sizes (Ages 1–12):
- ½ cup (4 oz) of plain yogurt = 1 oz meat/meat alternate
- Credit proportionally if serving more or less.
👶 Infant Meal Pattern (Ages 6–11 months):
- Serve in the portion sizes listed in the CACFP infant meal pattern.
🍓 Fruit Note:
If yogurt includes fruit mixed in, that fruit does not count toward the fruit component.
👉 To count fruit, serve it separately alongside the yogurt.
CACFP Meal Pattern Minutes! Take a look at Updated Sugar Limits in Yogurt!
Circle & Serve: Don’t Forget Your WG & Milk!
- Circle “WG” when you serve a whole grain.
• Whole grains must be offered at least once per day. - Circle the milk served at each meal.
• Specify whether it’s white, unflavored low-fat, unflavored non-fat, or flavored low-fat. - Write in the milk type for snacks.
• Even if you serve the same kind as at meals, note it on your snack menu.
Accurate marking helps us process your claims quickly and confirms you’re meeting meal pattern requirements. If you have any questions about circling grains or milk types, give us a call at 217-245-0949 or email betterchildcare@mediacombb.net.
Thank you for your attention to detail and for all you do to keep our children healthy!
📌 Help Wanted – Part-Time Field Representative
Better Child Care, a local sponsor of the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), is seeking a part-time Field Representative to join our team!
📝 Job Duties:
Conduct reviews of in-home daycare providers during mealtimes in St. Clair County and surrounding areas to ensure compliance with USDA meal program guidelines.
🚗 Requirements:
- Must have reliable transportation
- Mileage is reimbursed
💼 This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working independently, is detail-oriented, and wants to support child nutrition in their community.
📍 To learn more or apply, contact us at 217-245-0949 or email BetterChildCare2@mediacombb.net
Annual Training Deadline Coming Up!
All providers must complete and send in the required training by June 30, 2025. If you still need it, call the office—we’re here to help! Failure to complete training may result in corrective action.
