Family childcare home (FCCH) providers’ participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) has declined, often due to inadequate tiered reimbursements. During COVID-19, federal waivers temporarily removed tiers and raised reimbursement rates, offering insight into program impacts. From September 2023 to February 2024, interviews with California FCCH providers (n=31), CACFP sponsors (n=10), and families (n=6) explored perceptions of CACFP benefits, challenges, and the pandemic-era waiver. Providers and sponsors reported that higher reimbursements improved food budgets and quality, while tier removal and hybrid monitoring visits facilitated participation. Families valued CACFP’s role in providing diverse, nutritious foods and supporting child food security. Beyond the pandemic, CACFP was recognized for its nutrition education and contribution to business viability. However, barriers remain: administrative burden, insufficient reimbursements, strict regulations, and ongoing pressures from inflation and pandemic impacts. Findings suggest that increasing reimbursements and reducing participation barriers could strengthen provider and sponsor engagement. Sustained support for FCCH participation in CACFP is critical to ensuring access to healthy meals for children from low-income families, advancing both food security and nutrition equity.