Meal Pattern Minute: Whole Grain Stamp

For Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operators, determining whether a grain product is whole grain-rich is an important part of meeting the meal pattern requirements. When reviewing packaged grain products, it's common to see the Whole Grain Stamp on a package. But can the stamp be used to identify a whole grain-rich product in the CACFP? 

Tune in to this Meal Pattern Minute as Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, RD, explains why the Whole Grain Stamp alone is not an approved method and what methods can be used. 

Transcript:The answer is no. The Whole Grain Stamp cannot be used to identify a whole grain-rich item in the CACFP. CACFP operators must use one of the six USDA FNA-approved methods to determine whether a grain product is whole grain-rich. 

Understanding the difference between marketing claims and USDA-approved crediting methods can help prevent meal pattern errors and support successful CACFP operations. Be sure to review the resources below and stay up to date with current USDA guidance when evaluating grain products. 

• Identify Whole Grain-Rich 
  • This quick guide explains the USDA-approved methods for identifying whole grain-rich foods and helps operators verify products beyond package claims. 
  • CACFP Crediting Handbook for the Child and Adult Care Food Program 
    A USDA resource that explains how foods, including grain products, are credited in the CACFP and details approved methods for determining whole grain-rich status. 
• Meal Pattern Minute Resources
  • Explore additional Meal Pattern Minute videos including the six methods on how to identify whole grain-rich grain products. 
• Webinar Recommendation: Identifying Whole Grain-Rich in the CACFP ($) 
  • Learn how to identify which grain products meet the whole grain-rich regulations.  
•  Menu Suggestion 
  • Add NCA's Chicken Chimichanga to your menu. Made with 100% whole wheat tortillas, this flavorful entrée is a tasty way to incorporate a whole grain-rich grain item into your CACFP menu.  

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