December Program Pointers

Infant Meal Patterninfant

When an infant cannot be fed the required USDA meal pattern we need to document why.  (See meal pattern below) This documentation is the Eating and Feeding Evaluation Form (Diet Statement).

For Example:  If the Parent and Doctor do not believe Iron Fortified Infant Cereal (IFIC) is in the best interest of the infant an Eating and Feeding Evaluation Form (Diet Statement) is required.

The doctor would indicate:
1. If this is related to a disability or if this is a special nutritional need?
2. What food is to be eliminated from the diet in this case IFIC.
3. What food should be served instead for example additional fruits and vegetables.

Without a diet statement the provider can continue to claim lunch/supper by serving an approved infant protein such as unprocessed meats, finned fish, egg yolk, cheese or legumes instead of the IFIC and continue claiming snacks where IFIC is not required. The only meal that would not be ineligible to claim for reimbursement without a Diet Statement would be breakfast since the IFIC is a required component until age 1.

0-3 months: 

  • Breakfast–Iron Fortified Infant Formula and/or Breast Milk
  • Lunch/Supper— Iron Fortified Infant Formula and/or Breast Milk
  • Snack— Iron Fortified Infant Formula and/or Breast Milk

 4-7 months:

  • Breakfast— Iron Fortified Infant Formula and/or Breast Milk
    • Optional (When developmentally ready)—Iron Fortified Infant Cereal
  • Lunch/Supper— Iron Fortified Infant Formula and/or Breast Milk
    • Optional (When developmentally ready)—Iron Fortified Infant Cereal
    • Optional (When developmentally ready)—Fruits and Vegetables
  • Snack— Iron Fortified Infant Formula and/or Breast Milk

8- 11 months:

  • Breakfast
    • Iron Fortified Infant Formula and/or Breast Milk
    • Fruit and/or Vegetable
    • Iron Fortified Infant Cereal
  • Lunch/Supper
    • Iron Fortified Infant Formula and/or Breast Milk
    • Fruit and/or Vegetable
    • Meat, poultry, fish, egg yolk, cooked dry beans/peas, or cheese (choose one) and/or Iron Fortified Infant Cereal
  • Snack
    • Iron Fortified Infant Formula and/or Breast Milk
      • Optional (When developmentally ready)—Crusty Bread or cracker