Meal Pattern Minute: Identifying Whole Grain-Rich Method 3

There are six different options to determine if a grain product meets the whole grain-rich criteria in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. But which one will work best when choosing a product? Some products contain a statement that will allow it to be categorized as whole grain-rich.    

 Listen to our nutrition education specialist, Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RD, LDN, in this meal pattern minute special where we talk about the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) whole grain health claims and how you can identify them on a food package.  

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: 

• The product includes one of the following Food and Drug Administration approved whole-grain health claims on its packaging, exactly as written: “Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods and low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers.” 

  OR

   “Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods, and low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may help reduce the risk of heart disease.”

• FNS is allowing the FDA whole grain health claims to be sufficient documentation to demonstrate compliance with the whole grain-rich criteria in the CACFP, only. The FDA whole grain health claims are not sufficient documentation to demonstrate a grain is whole grain-rich in the School Meal Programs.

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 your started! 

• Adding Whole Grains to Your Child and Adult Care Food Program Menu 
• Identifying Whole Grain-Rich Guide 
• How to Spot Whole Grain-Rich Foods for the Child and Adult Care Food Program 

Whole Grain-Rich Recipes

• Deli Bento Box 
• Spiced Oatmeal (25 servings) 

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