CACFP Roundtable has been working with the Nutrition Policy Institute out of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the University of California Berkely to conduct a study related to understanding the impact on the financial aspect and nutritional quality of foods served in CACFP when tiering was waived and then understand what happened when it returned. The "results showed that the temporary higher reimbursement rates lowered out-of-pocket food costs, were more adequate than rates prior to COVID-19, and supported greater perceived variety, quality, and healthfulness of foods served, especially for tier 2 providers who previously received the lowest reimbursement." Learn more about the study and the results here.
As you know, tiering is one (huge) element of CACFP operations and impacts on family child care homes and we learned additional more we wanted to share and make public, so you could use it in your own advocacy. So, here are two research briefs - only two pages - that can help you share your own story and the community story at large.
Challenges Experienced by Child and Adult Care Food Program Sponsors
Through qualitative interviews with CACFP Sponsors, challenges were identified that fit within three main themes:
Inadequate administrative reimbursement and resources
Inadequate staff funding and staffing shortages
Challenges with in-person monitoring visits
"These issues underscore the need for policy changes to ensure that sponsors are adequately supported in their efforts to sustain and expand CACFP participation" (Lee et al., 2024). Find the brief here and read the specifics and the quotes directly from Sponsors of homes interviewed.
Evidence to Support Additional CACFP Meal Reimbursement for Family Childcare Home Providers
Through surveys with family child care providers, interviews with sponsors, family child care providers, and family recipients we found the following key findings as it relates to that needed extra meal.
CACFP meals are important for improving food security; "31% of providers said they worry children would be hungry if they didn't get meals and snacks in child care"(Lee, et al, 2024)
Providers offer more than the current reimbursable 2 meals and 1 snack each day; "on average providers offered at least 4 meals/snacks to children each day"(Lee, et al, 2024)
Providers want more meals and snacks reimbursed by CACFP; "67% of providers say they want more than 3 meals/snacks reimbursed by CACFP, on average they want 4 meals/snacks reimbursed"(Lee, et al, 2024)
This brief shows the need for the policy change to allow an additional reimbursable meal in CACFP. Learn more here and hear from the providers and sponsors in their own words.
Suggested citations for the briefs:
Lee DL, Fiedler K, Bacon K, Felix C, Vasicsek R, Matias SL, Marshall SK, Homel Vitale E, Ritchie LD. Research Brief: Challenges Experienced by Child and Adult Care Food Program Sponsors. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. University of California, Berkeley. CACFP Roundtable. November 2024.
Lee DL, Bacon K, Felix C, Fiedler K, Matias SL, Marshall SK, Homel Vitale E, Ritchie LD. Policy Brief: Evidence to Support an Additional CACFP Meal Reimbursement for Family Childcare Home Providers. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. CACFP Roundtable. University of California, Berkeley. December 2024.
Save the date for our Roundtable Deepdive! This May 14, 2025, it will be centered around infant and toddler feeding. All virtual! A call for proposals is open. Submit a proposal to share your expertise with our CACFP community.
Our CACFP Leadership Institute cohort is about to start off 2025 honing in on some fabulous leadership skills as they talk about CACFP! Learn more and join us.
Our member community is growing and also getting closer, building relationships with each other so we can talk more easily about our own needs, hopes, tips, and tricks in operating CACFP. Our next member meeting is January 22nd, be sure to join us. Register here.
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