This paper describes facilitators, barriers, and potential strategies to promote participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) by family child care homes (FCCHs). This descriptive study occurred from January-May 2022 in Arizona and New York, two states with varying levels of CACFP participation. Stakeholders from three state-level CACFP-administering agencies, representatives of six sponsor organizations, and 23 FCCH providers (70% CACFP, 30% non-CACFP) participated in interviews. Facilitators of CACFP participation included the simple enrollment, technical assistance from sponsors, software provided by sponsors, and incentives from state agencies. Barriers included perceptions that CACFP paperwork would be burdensome, lack of access to sponsors, and challenges with meal pattern requirements. Recommended strategies to promote CACFP uptake included educating providers about CACFP, expanding outreach, and additional funding. Efforts to address state-level disparities in FCCH participation in CACFP are needed. This study provides some insight into policy and systems changes that could be beneficial.
Published: October 2022
Journal: Prev Med Rep
Authors: Erinosho T, Jana B, Loefstedt K, Vu M, Ward D
Keywords: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Child Care/Preschool
Focus Area: Early Childhood
Resource Type: Journal Article
Related Research
November 2023
State Agency Perspectives on Successes and Challenges of Administering the Child and Adult Care Food Program
The federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) improves nutrition and reduces food insecurity for young children while helping cover food costs for care providers and families. Despite its important benefits, the program is underutilized. This report uses qualitative interviews with state CACFP administrators representing 28 states to explore federal and state policies and practices that support or discourage CACFP participation among licensed child MoreNovember 2023
Supporting the Wake Forest School of Medicine in implementing a WIC referral program within electronic health records to optimize WIC participation
The United States has an ongoing maternal and infant health crisis, characterized by stark disparities. The WIC program could equitably improve health outcomes, but it is underutilized. Identifying strategies for healthcare systems to efficiently connect pregnant patients with WIC is a public health and policy priority. This study will use the electronic health record (EHR) MoreNovember 2023