How do you identify whole grains in CACFP?

According to the USDA, at least one serving of grains per day in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) must be whole grain-rich. Identifying whole grain-rich (WGR) foods requires careful examination of product labels and ingredients, as terms like "multigrain" can be misleading.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the specific criteria for identifying whole grain-rich foods for the CACFP meal patterns, using ingredient lists, CN labels, WIC lists, and other documentation. It clarifies how to read labels correctly to ensure proper crediting.

Key Points

• Key points for identifying whole grain-rich foods in CACFP can be found in resources such as {Link: California Department of Social Services https://www.cdss.ca.gov/cacfp/resources/determining-whole-grain-rich-products-in-the-cacfp} and {Link: CT.gov https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/Nutrition/CACFP/Crediting/Identify_Creditable_Grains_CACFP.pdf}.

Understanding the CACFP Whole Grain-Rich Requirement

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requires participating institutions to serve nutritious meals and snacks, including a whole grain-rich (WGR) grain item at least once per day for eligible children and adults. A WGR food must contain at least 50% whole grains by weight, with any remaining grains being enriched. While 100% whole grain products are automatically creditable, determining the WGR status of composite products requires specific methods.

Methods for Identifying Whole Grain-Rich Foods

There are several ways to determine if a product is whole grain-rich for CACFP. These methods help ensure that the required 50% whole grain content is met. Providers can utilize resources like {Link: California Department of Social Services https://www.cdss.ca.gov/cacfp/resources/determining-whole-grain-rich-products-in-the-cacfp} and {Link: CT.gov https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/Nutrition/CACFP/Crediting/Identify_Creditable_Grains_CACFP.pdf} to understand these methods.

Comparison of Whole Grain Identification Methods

A comparison of key features for identifying whole grains in CACFP can be found on {Link: California Department of Social Services https://www.cdss.ca.gov/cacfp/resources/determining-whole-grain-rich-products-in-the-cacfp}.

Homemade and Crediting Examples

For foods made from scratch, recipes must show that at least 50% of the total grain by weight is whole grain. For example, a recipe using equal parts whole-wheat and enriched flour is WGR. For commercial products, look past marketing terms like "made with whole grains". Ready-to-eat cereals need a whole grain as the first ingredient, fortification (unless 100% whole grain), and must meet sugar limits. Grain-based desserts are not creditable.

Conclusion: Navigating the CACFP Whole Grain Rules

Identifying whole grain-rich foods correctly is vital for meeting CACFP requirements and ensuring children and adults receive nutritious meals. Providers can use methods like checking ingredient lists, manufacturer documentation, state WIC lists, or FDA standards to verify products. Understanding these methods is key to successful program participation and promoting healthy eating.

Helpful Resources

• {Link: USDA Team Nutrition Whole Grain-Rich Resources https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/whole-grain-resources}

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "whole grain-rich" mean for CACFP?

A product is considered whole grain-rich (WGR) for CACFP if it is either 100% whole grain or contains at least 50% whole grains by weight, with any remaining grain ingredients being enriched.

Can I trust the term "whole grain" printed on a food package?

No, simply seeing "whole grain" or "made with whole grains" on a package is not enough. You must inspect the ingredients list to ensure a whole grain is the primary grain ingredient and follow the Rule of Three or other verification methods.

Is the Whole Grain Council stamp sufficient for crediting whole grains?

No, the Whole Grain Council stamp is not sufficient documentation for CACFP purposes. A product with this stamp could still contain high amounts of non-creditable grains.

How do I identify a whole grain-rich breakfast cereal?

Identifying whole grain-rich breakfast cereals in CACFP is explained in resources like {Link: CT.gov https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/Nutrition/CACFP/Crediting/Identify_Creditable_Grains_CACFP.pdf}.

What is a Product Formulation Statement (PFS) and when is it needed?

A PFS is a document from a manufacturer that proves a product meets CACFP meal pattern requirements. It is often needed for combination foods or items that do not clearly meet the Rule of Three to confirm that at least 50% of the grain by weight is whole grain.

Can I serve a product if enriched flour is the first ingredient?

Information on whether a product with enriched flour as the first ingredient can be served is available in resources such as {Link: California Department of Social Services https://www.cdss.ca.gov/cacfp/resources/determining-whole-grain-rich-products-in-the-cacfp}.

Does my state's WIC list guarantee a product is whole grain-rich for CACFP?

Yes, if a product (excluding all cereals) is on a state's WIC-approved whole grain list, it can be credited. For cereals, you must check that it is specifically designated as whole grain on the WIC list.

Are grains for infants also required to be whole grain-rich?

Information regarding whole grain requirements for infants in CACFP can be found in resources like {Link: CT.gov https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/Nutrition/CACFP/Crediting/Identify_Creditable_Grains_CACFP.pdf}.