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 care centers. We report on successful approaches to program outreach and administration, barriers that make CACFP participation challenging, and recommendations to expand access to CACFP for eligible child care providers and the populations they serve.
Published: November 2023
ID #: 77232
Journal: J Nutr Educ Behav
Authors: Andreyeva T, McCann M, Prager J, Kenney EL
Keyword: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
Focus Area: Early Childhood
Resource Type: Journal Article
Age Groups: Pregnant women, infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 2), Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)
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