Delayed Implementation of Grains Ounce Equivalents in the Child and Adult Care Food Program

This action delays, from Oct. 1, 2019 until Oct. 1, 2021, the implementation date of the “ounce equivalents” requirement for crediting grains served in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The final rule, Child and Adult Care Food Program: Meal Pattern Revisions Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, published on April 25, 2016, specified that meal planners must use ounce equivalents to determine the amount of creditable grain served as part of a reimbursable meal or snack.

A two-year extension allows more time for FNS to develop additional technical assistance materials and for State agencies and sponsoring organizations to provide training and technical assistance to support meal planners and assure compliance nationwide. This action is consistent with FNS' efforts to provide excellent customer service as we work with State and local partners to ensure high quality, nutritious meals for children and adult participants in CACFP.

This action also applies to the crediting of grains served to infants and toddlers in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. In addition, this rule makes a technical correction to the application for free and reduced-price meals for adult CACFP participants.