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
January 2023
Policy, system, and environmental interventions addressing obesity and diet-related outcomes in early childhood education settings: A systematic review
Early childhood education (ECE) settings play an important role in child dietary intake and excess weight gain. Policy, systems, and environment (PSE) approaches have potential to reduce disparities in children at higher risk for obesity. The purpose of this review was to (1) characterize the inclusion of populations at higher risk for obesity in ECE MoreDecember 2022
Water is K’é: A Community-Based Intervention to Increase Healthy Beverage Consumption by Navajo Preschool Children
This research brief gives an overview of the Water is K’é intervention, conducted among Navajo Nation families. The intervention was delivered by early care and education teachers to households with children ages 2-5, and covered the cultural importance of water, health benefits of water, and alternatives to sugary drinks. At baseline, more than 70% of children already MoreDecember 2022