Summer changes everything in a childcare program — the schedule, the energy, and definitely the appetite. When it’s hot outside, heavy snacks don’t land the same way. Kids want something cool, colorful, and easy to eat between activities.
The good news? CACFP-creditable snacks are a perfect fit for summer. Fresh fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and whole grains are all in season and easy to serve cold or at room temperature. Here are some ideas to refresh your snack rotation this summer.
A Quick Refresher: What Makes a CACFP Snack Creditable?
A reimbursable CACFP snack requires two of the five meal components: milk, meat/meat alternate, grains, fruits, or vegetables. A few rules to keep in mind:
- Milk and juice cannot be the only two items served together as a snack.
- 100% fruit juice can only count toward the fruit or vegetable requirement at one meal or snack per day.
- Fruits can be fresh, frozen, dried, or canned (packed in water, juice, or light syrup) — all are creditable.
- Yogurt must contain no more than 12 grams of added sugars per 6 ounces (2 grams per ounce).
- At least one grain serving per day must be whole grain-rich. Grain-based desserts (cookies, granola bars, cereal bars) do not credit.
(Source: USDA CACFP Snack Meal Pattern · CACFP Crediting Handbook)
For detailed crediting information on specific foods, always check the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs.
Summer Snack Ideas by Component Pairing
Each of these pairings uses two creditable CACFP components. Mix and match to keep your snack rotation fresh all summer.
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Fruit + Grain
Cool fruit paired with whole grain-rich items
FruitGrain
Watermelon slices + whole grain crackers
No-cook, no-fuss. Watermelon credits as fruit — pair with a whole grain-rich cracker.
FruitGrain
Frozen blueberries + whole grain cereal
Frozen fruit is creditable and kids love it straight from the freezer on hot days.
FruitGrain
Sliced strawberries + whole wheat mini muffins
Homemade muffins can credit as grain if the recipe meets whole grain-rich criteria.
🧀
Fruit + Meat/Meat Alternate
Fresh fruit with protein for staying power
FruitMeat alt
Melon cubes + string cheese
Cantaloupe, honeydew, or watermelon paired with a cheese stick. Easy and cool.
FruitMeat alt
Banana slices + sunflower seed butter
Nut and seed butters credit as meat alternates. Great for nut-free programs.
FruitMeat alt
Yogurt parfait with fresh berries
Layer low-sugar yogurt with strawberries or blueberries. A crowd-pleaser every time.
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Vegetable + Grain
Cool, crunchy veggies with whole grains
VegetableGrain
Cucumber rounds + whole grain pita
Slice cucumbers into rounds and serve with toasted whole grain pita triangles.
VegetableGrain
Cherry tomatoes + whole grain tortilla strips
Halve tomatoes for younger kids. Baked whole grain tortilla strips credit as a grain.
VegetableGrain
Celery sticks + whole grain crackers
Cool, crunchy, and zero prep beyond washing. Add hummus for a meat alternate bonus.
🥕
Vegetable + Meat/Meat Alternate
Veggies paired with protein — no cooking needed
VegetableMeat alt
Carrot sticks + hummus
Chickpea-based hummus credits as a meat alternate. A cool, crunchy summer go-to.
VegetableMeat alt
Bell pepper strips + cottage cheese
Colorful and easy to serve cold. Both stay fresh in a cooler for outdoor play.
VegetableMeat alt
Snap peas + string cheese
No cooking, no prep beyond washing. A grab-and-go option for busy summer days.
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Milk + Grain or Fruit
Classic pairings with cold milk
MilkGrain
Cold milk + whole grain graham crackers
Simple and classic. Make sure graham crackers meet the whole grain-rich requirement.
MilkFruit
Cold milk + fresh fruit salad
A mix of seasonal fruits — berries, melon, grapes (cut lengthwise for younger kids).
Summer Food Safety Reminders
Warmer weather means extra care with food handling. A few reminders when serving snacks during the summer months:
- Keep cold foods cold. If you’re serving snacks outside or during field trips, use coolers with ice packs. Perishable items like yogurt, cheese, and cut fruit should not sit out for more than two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F).
- Wash fresh produce thoroughly — even if it’s pre-packaged.
- Make sure handwashing stations are accessible for outdoor play areas, especially before snack time.
- Cut grapes, cherry tomatoes, and other round foods lengthwise for children under age 4 to reduce choking risk.
Help Families Find Meals Beyond Your Program
Summer is also when many families lose access to school meals. If children in your care have school-age siblings at home, the USDA’s Summer Meals Site Finder can help their families locate free meal sites nearby — at parks, community centers, libraries, and schools.
Share this link with the families you serve: USDA Summer Meals Site Finder
Free summer meals are available to all kids 18 and under at participating sites — no application or ID needed. Encouraging families to use this resource extends the impact of your nutrition work beyond the walls of your program.
For more information on the USDA’s summer nutrition programs, visit Summer Nutrition Programs (USDA).
Resources for Planning Your Summer Menus
