Ounce Equivalents Resources For Karamu Childcare Providers

Karamu Nutrition Program | Provider Memo

Using Ounce Equivalents When Serving Grains On The CACFP

Dear Karamu Provider:

The USDA has changed the criteria for measuring portion sizes for grains served on the CACFP. Under the new requirements, instead of serving grains in units measured by the slice, CACFP participants must now serve grains in units of ounces. This new requirement, which we covered during our last annual CACFP training session, is referred to as "ounce equivalents" (abbreviated "oz. equivalents") and went into effect on July 1st, 2023.

Please see the resource material below for more information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at karamu@karamu.org or by phone at 901.327.8401.

Ounce Equivalents Training Videos

Karamu Training Video

USDA Training Video

CACFP Halftime: Grains Ounce Equivalents Tools for CACFP Operators

Ounce Equivalents Resources

Video Instructions On How to Use The USDA's FBG "Exhibit A Grain Tool" Ounce Equivalents Calculator

Please view this USDA produced video for instructions on how to use both the web and mobile app versions of the USDA's ounce equivalents calculator (commonly referred to as the "Exhibit A Grain Tool" ). This easy to use tool will be very useful in helping you figure out the minimum portion size when you serve a grain that is not listed on the ounce equivalents measuring chart provided below. The Exhibit A Grain Tool is available in the USDA's electronic food buying guide which is available on the web and as an app for both Android and IOS devices. See the articles above for more details.

Food Buying Guide (FBG) Web Version

The USDA's electronic Food Buying Guide has an easy to use ounce equivalents calculator to help you determine the amount of a given grain to serve when the grain is not on the ounce equivalents measuring chart. The Food Buying Guide can be accessed by clicking here. You can select the option to continue as a guest user, You do not have to create an account.

Food Buying Guide (FBG) Mobile App

The Food Buying Guide App is also available for Android and IOS. Go to the Play Store or App Store and search for Food Buying Guide for CNP.

Ounce Equivalents Resource Guide

Click here for the ounce equivalents resource guide for both children and infants meals.

Ounce Equivalents Measuring Chart Cheat Sheet

Click here for the Ounce Equivalents "Cheat Sheet" mentioned during the training. This handout has the oz. equivalents serving sizes for a number of commonly used grains.

Validating Ounce Equivalent Portion Sizes During A Monitoring Review

If you serve a grain that is on the ounce equivalents measuring chart (aka cheat sheet) be sure to serve the quantity shown on the chart. If you serve a grain that is not listed on the chart, you will need to calculate the amount to serve by following the instructions for Using The Nutrition Fact Labels shown at the back of the measuring chart cheat sheet or you can use the electronic calculator available in the Food Buying Guide. If you have to calculate the amount to be served you will need the nutrition label from the grain product. Be sure to save that label until after the meal is over so it is available for Karamu or CACFP officials to calculate the portion sizes if we come in (either physically or remotely) to review the meal before the meal service ends.

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