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Meal Pattern Minute: Whole Grain-Rich

March 30, 2023

In the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), grain is a required component at breakfast, lunch, and supper meals, and is an optional component at snack. It is required that at least one serving of grains per day, when grains are served, must be whole grain-rich. But what do the words whole grain-rich really mean?  

 

Get the answer by listening to our nutrition education specialist, Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, who can explain what makes a grain, whole grain-rich.

 

For more information on whole grain-rich, refer to USDA Memo Code: CACFP 09-2018, Grain Requirements in the Child and Adult Care Food Program: Questions and Answers. 

  • A whole grain is a grain that has not had its nutrient-rich germ and bran removed, and therefore does not need enrichment. Foods that meet the whole grain-rich criteria are foods that contain at least 50 percent whole grains and the remaining grains in the food are enriched, or are 100 percent whole grain. At least one serving of grains per day must be whole grain-rich. This whole grain-rich requirement only applies to meals served to children and adults; it does not apply to infant meals. 

But wait there is more! 

There are six methods to determine if a grain product meets the whole grain-rich criteria. Stay tuned to the next six Meal Pattern Minutes as we go over each method.  

Whole Grain-Rich Resources 

Need meal pattern resources to help you guide you on determining whole grain-rich products? Check out the free materials below to get you started! 

 

Want to add more whole grain-rich recipes to your menu? Try one of these recipes below! 

 

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