10A NCAC 09 .0903
Meals and snacks shall be planned according to the number of hours a child is in the center. Children shall be provided a meal or snack a minimum of every four hours. These rules apply in all situations except during sleeping hours and nighttime care:
| Hours Child Is In Care | Age of Child | Snack and Meal Requirement |
| At least 2 hours but less than 4 hours | Preschool-age children | 1 snack, unless child is present during the time a meal is being served |
| Any hours in care | School-age children | 1 snack, unless child is present during the time a meal is being served |
| At least 4 hours but less than 6 hours | All Children | 1 meal equal to 1/3 of the child's daily food needs |
| At least 6 hours but less than 12 hours | All Children | 2 meals and 1 snack OR 2 snacks and 1 meal equal to ½ of the child's daily food needs |
| More than 12 hours | All Children | 2 snacks and 2 meals equal to 2/3 of the child's daily food needs |
| Second Shift (approximately 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.) | All Children | 1 meal |
History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110‑91(2); 143B‑168.3;
Eff. January 1, 1986;
Amended Eff. November 1, 1989; January 1, 1987;
Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017.